Train driver’s suicide exposes issues within SNCB’s support system

Belgium’s national railway company SNCB is facing public criticism after the suicide of a young train conductor who had been involved in a fatal collision with a pedestrian in 2025.

Colleagues, unions and the man's family say the support provided by SNCB in the aftermath was inadequate. The 29-year-old man, named Laurens Strubbe, took his own life weeks after the incident, which deeply affected him.

He had been off work following the collision and struggling with the psychological impact of the event. Family members said they received minimal contact from SNCB after his death, beyond an initial communication about the return of his mobile phone.

Family members told VRT news that the company’s handling left them feeling “abandoned”, and that more emotional support for conductors facing traumatic events is urgently needed.

Unions have echoed these concerns, calling for improved mental health support and crisis response protocols for railway employees. The railway union OVS says that SNCB is overall harsh with its employees, and that more follow ups and care is needed for railway employees after traumatic events.

SNCB has acknowledged the tragedy and said it is reviewing its procedures to better support employees affected by traumatic events. The company noted that peer support and counselling services are available by a network of more than 400 mental health employees.

Transport workers involved in collisions and accidents often experience post-traumatic stress, it added. Immediate, structured support from SNCB can be crucial in preventing long term harm.

The incident has sparked a debate throughout Belgium over SNCB’s practices, and many are calling for longer leave options as well as a more robust mental health system.

Photo: ©SNCB-NMBS