A serious collision involving a lorry and a train occurred in Ardoye, West Flanders province on Tuesday, leaving the truck driver seriously injured.
Train traffic was suspended between Lichtervelde and Thielt in both directions in light of the incident. The National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB) has established shuttle services as a result.
Despite 50 passengers being involved, only "five were taken to hospitals as a precaution," according to Infrabel’s spokesperson, Jessica Nibelle. The injured lorry driver was also transported to the hospital.
Credit: Belga / Kurt Desplenter
The SNCB confirms that the remaining passengers were taken to a nearby hall following the accident and transferred by bus to Ghent-Saint-Pierre station.
Extensive damage caused by the incident is expected to result in several days of repair work.
While the circumstances leading up to the collision remain unknown, investigation is being carried out by Infrabel in coordination with the police.
Credit: Belga / Kurt Desplenter
Interestingly, a similar accident occurred at the same location last December.
That incident involved a truck being hit by a passenger train, though the driver was able to exit the vehicle in time and only four minor injuries were reported. Repairs following that collision also took an entire week due to the similarly significant material damage.
Rail services between Lichtervelde and Deinze will be disrupted for several days following a severe accident involving a train and a lorry in Ardooie, according to the National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB).
Credit: Belga / Kurt Desplenter
