A visitor to the recycling centre in Sint-Truiden attacked staff with a pitchfork on Wednesday evening, prompting the local government to take the incident very seriously.
Just before the recycling centre’s closing time on Wednesday evening, three vehicles entered through the exit gate. Since the entrance was already closed, the staff approached the individuals. One person reacted aggressively, brandishing a pitchfork and threatening the worker. During the altercation, the staff member sustained a hand injury and was treated on-site. The incident was promptly reported to the local Sint-Truiden-Gingelom-Nieuwerkerken police.
The Sint-Truiden city council expressed shock in a statement, emphasising that aggression towards workers will not be tolerated. Filip Moers, Councillor for Facilities Management, stated, “Our employees must be able to work in safe conditions, free from verbal or physical aggression. Violence against staff crosses a line.”
Mayor Ludwig Vandenhove underscored this stance, declaring, “Aggression has no place, especially not in public service. All forms of violence against our staff are treated with utmost seriousness. We will always protect our people and will not leave the matter here, taking further steps against the perpetrator.” He announced plans to investigate whether the individual could be banned from future access to the recycling centre.
