Brussels grinds to a halt

Buses, metro and tram services in Brussels were suspended all day on Saturday following the killing of a bus company employee.

"Violence has no place in our society, one of whose fundamental principles is mutual respect," Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo said. He also pledged a swift trial and "the severest punishment" for whoever was responsible.

The 56-year-old victim had been called to the scene of a crash Saturday morning between a car and bus to inspect the damage. He was allegedly assaulted by a friend of the car driver and reportedly died in hospital.

Brussels prosecutor Bruno Bulthe, deploring the "gratuitous violence", said a suspect had been arrested, but no details were released.

Public transport throughout the Belgian capital was halted for the entire day, according to the public transport company STIB/MIVB.

The stoppage may, however, go beyond Saturday. According to Le Soir newspaper, bus drivers are seeking guarantees on increased security measures from Interior Minister Joelle Milquet before they will return to work.

Milquet said he would propose measures for improved security at a cabinet meeting later this month.

The Le Soir report said a meeting was planned between union representatives and Milquet for early next week. 

tm/rc (dpa, AFP)