Bus driver 'beaten up'

A bus driver, 28, was "attacked" yesterday after telling another driver, "You don't own the road", according to witnesses.

The fight broke out at about 10.30 a.m. next to the Al Fateh Libyan school in Ta' Giorni, St Julian's - in full view of around 10 passengers, including children.

According to an eyewitness, an argument ensued when the bus driver complained because a Fiat Panda was being driven in the middle of the road.

After exchanging words, two men emerged from the car and threw punches through the bus driver's window before mounting the bus to continue the assault.

The two men also smashed some glass windows, while the "terrified" passengers scrambled to the back of the bus and opened the fire exit to escape.

The witness said the main aggressor, who appeared to be drunk, was bare-chested and tattooed, dressed only in tracksuit trousers.

"We all huddled up in the back but they were pushing the bus driver onto us," he said, adding that the men were also hurling obscenities.

Police were called to the scene where they took the particulars of the three men involved in the fight.

Police later said no one was seriously injured but the three men were told to report to a health centre for a check-up.

The aggressors were a 48- and a 31-year-old, both from St Julian's, while the young bus driver was from Zejtun.

Investigations are ongoing, but police sources said no one had yet been arrested.

Public Transport Association president Victor Spiteri said it was unacceptable for "any worker" to be attacked in such a way while carrying out his job.

However, he said that an inquiry was underway and he could only give more comments once he received a full report about the incident.

Article amended on September 9, 2022 following a right to be forgotten request. For further information please contact editor@timesofmalta.com.