A bus passenger was brutally killed on Monday afternoon in Antwerp, where an assailant attacked multiple victims, fatally slashing one and injuring two others.

The incident, described as extremely violent, took place onboard a De Lijn bus operating on route 36.

According to Belgian RTL Info, a witness stated that a man suddenly pulled out a knife and targeted a fellow passenger, reportedly slashing their throat. Local police confirmed that another passenger, who tried to intervene, was also injured.

The bus driver appears to have sustained injuries as well and was taken to hospital in a state of shock. Both surviving victims were hospitalised.

The Antwerp public prosecutor's office has confirmed the attack. The person who died is believed to be an elderly man. Belgian RTL Info noted that initial indications suggest the victims did not know each other.

The suspect, a 38-year-old man, was arrested on the bus. His motives remain unclear and an investigation is currently underway.