A lorry collided with a freight train at a level crossing in the Waasland Port on Tuesday evening, causing the locomotive to derail and inflicting significant damage to the infrastructure, according to Infrabel, the railway infrastructure manager.
The incident occurred around 19:30 on Tuesday. Infrabel reported no fatalities, though the lorry driver was hospitalised in shock and is in stable condition. Their technical investigation revealed that the crossing lacked barriers but had functioning safety systems, including red lights and warning signals.
Infrabel described the impact as “very significant,” resulting in the locomotive’s derailment and causing “enormous” damage.
A 500-tonne crane needs to be installed to facilitate the removal of the locomotive and the lorry. Groundwork is required for the safe installation of the crane, with Infrabel working through the night in hopes of setting it up by 9:00.
There is no effect on passenger train services as the line is used exclusively for freight transport.
