Tram services on the Belgian coast between Ostend and Knokke resumed on Monday after derailments in Blankenberge and Zeebrugge were cleared, transport company De Lijn has confirmed.
Recovery operations included towing the derailed trams, allowing normal traffic to resume in both directions between the two towns. Cranes were later dispatched to handle a third derailment in Nieuwpoort.
The latest derailement occurred on Monday around midday in central Zeebrugge. No injuries were reported, but the exact cause of the incident was unclear. The tram was towed away later Monday afternoon.
On Sunday, a tram in Blankenberge ran off its rails and was only removed on Monday morning. Despite this mishap, traffic continued, albeit on a single track.
Another derailment took place in Nieuwpoort on Monday at roughly 11:15 am. Part of the tram slipped off the tracks on a turn but did not tip over. Six passengers sustained minor injuries and were treated in Furnes hospital. Some 30 others were provided with alternative transport to continue their journey.
Following the recovery operations in Blankenberge and Zeebrugge, cranes were deployed to Nieuwpoort on Monday afternoon. De Lijn said the disruptions were expected to be resolved by Monday evening.
