Bus Company Fires Driver for Alcohol Month After Fatal Crash
Just one month after the devastating Buggenhout bus tragedy that claimed four lives, controversial bus company ‘t Ros Beiaard has been forced to fire another driver after he tested positive for alcohol while en route to pick up schoolchildren. The incident, which occurred during a police check in Opwijk on 18 June, has reignited concerns about safety standards at the company, which operates in subcontract for Flemish public transport provider De Lijn.
The New Incident
The driver was stopped at a police checkpoint in Opwijk, Flemish Brabant, while traveling to a school to collect students. According to VRT NWS, he blew between 0.2 and 0.5 per mille — exceeding the 0.2 per mille limit for professional drivers, which is stricter than the 0.5 per mille limit for regular motorists. His license was confiscated for two hours, and he was forced to call his employer. A colleague picked him up, and another bus was dispatched to collect the students.
The driver, who reportedly had an unblemished service record until this incident, claimed he had “one glass of wine” during his lunch break, as Het Laatste Nieuws reported. The company dismissed him on the spot. The owner of ‘t Ros Beiaard declined further comment, referring inquiries to De Lijn, which stated that the company had “taken appropriate measures” but declined to comment further for privacy reasons.
The Buggenhout Tragedy
The new incident comes barely a month after one of the worst level crossing accidents in Belgian history. On 26 May, a school bus operated by ‘t Ros Beiaard drove onto a railway crossing in Buggenhout despite closed barriers and red lights, as VRT NWS reported. It was struck by an oncoming train traveling at 90 km/h. Four people were killed: the bus driver (49), bus supervisor Anke (27), and two students — Mohamed (15) and Arthur (12). Five other students were seriously wounded but survived.
Systemic Safety Concerns
Following the Buggenhout tragedy, multiple bus supervisors came forward revealing they had repeatedly complained about the deceased driver’s reckless driving behavior — including speeding, running red lights, and crossing railway tracks despite lowered barriers. These complaints were filed with the school, the bus company, and the province, as VRT NWS documented. But no action was taken. The company reportedly cited a lack of available drivers as the reason for not replacing him.
“Nothing was done with the complaints,” one bus supervisor told VRT NWS. “We were told there were no other drivers available. That makes it even more painful; this should not have happened.”
School director Jolien Roef stated that messages received from supervisors about any driver are always passed on to the employer. Provincial deputy Kurt Moens said the school and provincial government are cooperating fully with the investigation.
Mounting Pressure
The company has faced intense scrutiny since the tragedy. On 2 June, Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder stated there was no basis to terminate De Lijn’s contract with ‘t Ros Beiaard based on available information. A former driver was also convicted in early June for driving with an expired license in 2025.
The new alcohol incident severely damages the company’s already tarnished reputation and raises further questions about its safety culture. While the firing demonstrates a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol, critics ask why such standards were not evident before the Buggenhout tragedy.
What’s Next
The Ghent public prosecutor’s office continues its investigation into the Buggenhout crash. A memorial is planned for 27 June — exactly one month after the tragedy — with King Filip and Queen Mathilde expected to attend. Political pressure is mounting for a review of De Lijn’s contract with ‘t Ros Beiaard, and the parents of the victims may pursue legal action against the company and authorities.
The fired driver may also challenge his dismissal through legal channels. Meanwhile, the broader question remains: will the Buggenhout tragedy lead to structural reforms in Belgium’s school transport safety regime?