A train collided with a broken down De Lijn bus at a level crossing in Zedelgem (West Flanders) on Friday morning. The vehicle split in half from the collision, but the driver had already evacuated all passengers.
The accident occurred on Koning Albertstraat in Veldegem, Zedelgem, at just after 07:00 on Friday morning when a De Lijn bus broke down while crossing the tracks.
The bus driver realised the danger and quickly instructed all passengers to leave the vehicle. The bus was struck by a moving train just moments later. Two train passengers were hospitalised but no one suffered serious injuries.
Fast response
De Lijn praised the driver's swift reaction, which prevented a catastrophe. "Fortunately, he thought of safety first," said spokesperson Frederik Wittock. The cause of the breakdown is not yet known.
Railway operator Infrabel stated that the collision happened less than four minutes after the bus broke down. However, the emergency number 1711, intended for such situations at level crossings, was called too late to stop train traffic in time. "The train driver initiated an emergency brake but couldn't avoid the collision," said spokesperson Thomas Baeken.
Infrabel emphasised the importance of quickly calling 1711 in emergencies at level crossings. Essential information like the exact location of the crossing is always shown on a sticker on the signal posts. After calling the emergency number, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance to avoid any accidents, especially in case of debris.
🚆 Door een aanrijding op het spoor in Zedelgem is er hinder tussen Brugge en Lichtervelde.
⚠️ Er rijden op dit moment geen treinen op dit traject. #NMBS pic.twitter.com/dXQVSGmPYA — NMBS (@NMBS) November 29, 2024
Translation: Due to a collision on the railway in Zedelgem, there is disruption between Bruges and Lichtervelde. There are currently no trains running on this route.
Train services between Lichtervelde and Bruges are disrupted due to the accident. The collision caused the train to derail and damaged infrastructure. Replacement buses have been arranged by SNCB. Infrabel warned that disruptions could continue until Monday.
