Fifteen vehicles belonging to the Brussels public transport company were damaged on New Year’s Eve in Brussels, according to the STIB (Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company).
Eleven trams and four buses had several windows smashed.
The vehicles were targeted by young people in the Schaerbeek district of Brussels. "Around Verboekhoven Square (also known as the Bear Cage), five buses were hit by projectiles around 10 p.m.," said a Stib spokesperson. The transport company decided to divert the buses to protect staff while maintaining service for passengers.
A passenger on one of the buses was injured by glass shards. He was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Later in the evening, about ten trams on lines 55 and 62 were also attacked. The incidents happened near the Masui tram stop, close to Verboekhoven Square, also in the Donkey City area. "Within ten minutes, the windows of seven trams were smashed. We believe the same individuals were responsible," the spokesperson added.
Due to high traffic, drivers often noticed the damage only after their shift. It is likely that more damage will be reported in the coming days.
Despite the damage to several vehicles, STIB stated that New Year’s Eve went well overall, with no major incidents. Around 125,000 passengers were transported on New Year's night.
