A lorry crashed into a level crossing gate in Antwerp on Wednesday, according to the railway infrastructure operator, Infrabel. Train traffic is currently disrupted.
The collision occurred around 10:20 this morning. "Despite the red light, the driver wanted to cross the railway quickly. In doing so, he hit the barrier," said Frédéric Petit, spokesperson for Infrabel, the railway infrastructure operator.
Repair work is currently underway, but it is still unclear when it will be completed. Train traffic between Hoboken and Hemiksem has been suspended until then. In the meantime, a replacement bus service is running.
Remarkably, at around 6:30 on Wednesday, a lorry also crashed into a barrier at the same level crossing near Kapelstraat. The damage was less severe then, allowing trains to pass, albeit at a walking pace.
"According to a witness, the man got out and straightened the barrier himself," said Petit. "But in the second incident, the overhead line may have been damaged, requiring more extensive repairs."
Infrabel is once again calling on drivers to respect the traffic rules at level crossings in light of the two incidents.
