Bus Driver Assaulted by Abusive Passenger in Malta, Incident Caught on Video

On Friday morning, a disturbing incident occurred on a Valletta-bound bus in Malta, where a Maltese male passenger verbally abused and physically assaulted the bus driver. The incident was recorded on video, which showed the passenger demanding the driver to stop the bus and open the door after spotting a €50 note on the ground. When the driver refused, the passenger proceeded to assault him, directing profanity-laden insults and derogatory remarks targeting the driver's ethnicity, identifying him as 'Indian'.

The video shows the passenger yelling, swearing, and making menacing threats of violence while attempting to physically assault the driver multiple times. "I will kill you if you call the police," the passenger can be heard saying in the video. Despite the chaos, the bus continued moving, and other passengers remained passive, failing to intervene or assist the driver.

Malta Public Transport condemned the assault, which occurred around 11am on Route 81, and confirmed that a police report had been filed about the incident. "Malta Public Transport strongly condemns the incident and a report has been filed with the police," the company stated. Police reportedly arrived at the scene following the incident.

Why this matters: This assault adds to a string of recent abuses suffered by Malta Public Transport drivers, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and public awareness about respecting public transport workers. The incident also raises concerns about racism and discrimination faced by foreign workers in Malta.

This incident marks the third case of abuse towards bus drivers reported in Malta just this week. Earlier, another bus driver faced unjust public backlash after being falsely accused of obstructing an ambulance. The recurring assaults and harassment directed at bus drivers emphasize the challenges and risks they face while serving the public.

Key Takeaways

• Passenger verbally abused and physically assaulted bus driver in Malta.
• Incident recorded on video, passenger used profanity and ethnic slurs.
• Malta Public Transport condemned the assault, filed a police report.
• Incident highlights need for improved safety measures for bus drivers.
• This is the third case of abuse towards bus drivers reported in Malta this week.