A train collided with a truck at a level crossing in Deerlijk, West Flanders, on Friday morning. Around 40 passengers were on board the train, one of which was injured. All passengers were evacuated.
Work to tow the truck off the rails has been underway since midday. The incident also disrupted rail traffic in the morning between Kortrijk and Oudenaarde, network manager Infrabel announced. The accident injured one person.
Once the wreckage of the truck has been removed from the site, a rescue train will move the stuck train. Both the train and overhead cables were damaged in the collision. There are currently traffic jams in the surrounding area.
Credit: BELGA PHOTO/ KURT DESPLENTER
Initial findings by investigators indicate that the truck got stuck while trying to manoeuvre on the crossing. Infrabel was quick to remind motorists what to do in case of a similar incident.
The priority is to first leave the vehicle and get to safety. Then, motorists should call the emergency service to halt rail traffic. Data about a crossing to provide to emergency services can be found on a stick on the post of the crossing lights.
This procedure was not followed during the incident on Friday morning in Deerlijk, and the train was unable to avoid the heavy goods vehicle.
