Bus Driver Dies After Passengers Attacked Him When Being Told To Wear Masks

A bus driver in France has died after being attacked by passengers over an argument about face masks.

Philippe Monguillot, 59, died on Friday (10 July) after he was taken to hospital five days earlier following the assault.

He was left brain dead after the incident, in Bayonne, southwest France.

His daughter Marie told Agence France-Presse that the family and doctors made the decision to 'let him go'.

PA

Mr Monguillot had asked three passengers too wear face coverings on his bus - as is mandatory on public transport in France at the moment. He also asked to see their tickets.

Following his death, two men in their twenties have been charged with attempted murder. Two others have been charged with not assisting a person in danger. A fifth man faces a charge of attempting to hide a suspect.

Thousands marched in honour of Mr Monguillot in his home town of Bayonne on Wednesday. They took to the streets, dressed in white clothing, in memory of him.

Jean-Rene Etchegaray, the city's mayor, said the attack was 'barbaric'.

Facebook/Philippe Monguillot

Posting on social media, he tweeted: "Philippe Monguillot has left us. He succumbs to barbaric aggression in the exercise of his profession.

"A faithful servant of the public service, he leaves the image of a generous man. Support for colleagues in grief. Our affection for his grieving wife and family."

The French prime minister said that Mr Monguillot's death was caused by a 'cowardly assault', while he was trying to do his job, adding that it 'touches us in the heart'.

Jean Castex tweeted: "The Republic recognises in him an exemplary citizen and will not forget him. Justice will punish the perpetrators of this abject crime."

While the French interior minister Gerard Darmanin said that those involved must be punished.

He tweeted: "I extend my sincere condolences to the family, relatives and colleagues of Philippe Monguillot, bus driver who was violently attacked last Sunday in Bayonne.

"This heinous and cowardly act must not go unpunished."

The European Transport Workers' Federation said more needs to be done to protect those put in danger while they work.

The union posted on Twitter: "We express our support and solidarity with Philippe Monguillot's family, friends and colleagues.

"We condemn this barbaric and senseless act, and once again, we demand the swift implementation measures to protect workers from such attacks!"

Amelia Ward

Amelia is a journalist at LADbible. After studying journalism at Liverpool John Moores and Salford Uni (don't ask), she went into PR and then the world of music. After a few years working on festivals and events, she went back to her roots. In her spare time, Amelia likes music, Liverpool FC, and spending good, quality time with her cat, Paul. You can contact Amelia at [email protected].

@ameliasward