Newsroom
A bus driver has been suspended after allegedly spraying a teenage boy in the face during an onboard incident, as police continue to investigate the case based on statements from the driver, the minor, and others who were present.
The transport company EMEL confirmed the suspension, with the driver removed from any duties that could put him in a similar situation again.
Speaking to Kathimerini, Petros Theocharides, Director of Human Resources, Development and Communication at EMEL, said the driver in question has worked for the company for 12 years and had never previously been involved in such an incident.
Theocharides claimed that the driver had been dealing with ongoing issues involving a specific group of teenagers, saying the company has been receiving repeated complaints from staff and passengers about the same group.
“They always wear the same clothes,” Theocharides said, suggesting they are easily identifiable. “Almost all our drivers have at some point experienced disturbances, threats, or even damage caused by this group. It’s a recurring problem.”
In one alarming report, a group of these teens reportedly boarded a crowded bus during the afternoon and began playing with a ball—hitting passengers in the head and intimidating anyone who tried to speak up.
In addition to the latest incident, Theocharides revealed that EMEL received a threatening written message, warning the company that if the suspended driver is not fired immediately, the sender would cause "massive and incalculable" damage to the company.
Police are continuing their investigation into both the spraying incident and the threats, while EMEL says it is working to ensure the safety of both its passengers and employees.
