Driss Atounane Dies After Defending Passenger in Tram 55 Attack
According to reports from Bladi.net and Sudinfo, entrepreneur Driss Atounane died following an assault on Brussels tram 55 on Thursday, July 23. Atounane intervened to protect a 67-year-old woman who was being targeted inside the tram. He suffered severe head injuries during the altercation and later died in the hospital.
The Brussels public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation to establish the exact causal link between the blows received and Atounane’s death.
Family and Community Tributes Highlight His Actions
Soukaina, the daughter of the assaulted passenger, stated to media that Atounane saved her mother’s life. She noted that despite the tram being crowded, Atounane appeared to be the only passenger who stepped in to help, emphasizing, “Tout le monde doit savoir que Driss était un héros,” according to Sudinfo.
Atounane’s 17-year-old son, Sami, told Sudinfo that his father’s intervention reflected his lifelong character. “Mon père était quelqu’un qui aidait toujours les autres. Si quelqu’un était en difficulté, il ne pouvait pas détourner le regard,” Sami said. Aside from his work as an entrepreneur, Atounane participated in volunteer actions and organized collections for families living in the mountains of Morocco.
Funeral Arrangements and Community Fundraising
Local neighbors organized an online fundraising campaign to support Atounane’s family and cover funeral expenses. The crowdfunding effort raised nearly 2,500 euros in roughly twenty hours before the family requested its temporary suspension.
The funeral prayer for Driss Atounane is scheduled for Friday, July 31, at the Attaouba mosque in Evere. Following the service, he will be buried at the municipality’s multiconfessional cemetery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on Brussels tram 55?
On Thursday, July 23, Driss Atounane intervened to protect a 67-year-old female passenger who was being attacked inside tram 55. He was struck in the head during the incident and subsequently died in the hospital.
Is an investigation underway?
Yes. According to the Brussels public prosecutor’s office, an ongoing investigation aims to determine the exact link between the blows Atounane received and his subsequent death.
When and where is the funeral taking place?
The funeral prayer is set for Friday, July 31, at the Attaouba mosque in Evere, followed by burial at the multiconfessional cemetery in Evere.
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