Infrabel, Belgium's rail infrastructure operator, has posted dramatic images of a near-miss between a reckless moped driver and a speeding train.
In a tweet on Wednesday, a moped rider is seen swerving around the barrier of a level crossing in Izegem, West Flanders, narrowly avoiding being struck by a train. The dramatic incident occurred at the Mandellaan level crossing in the nearby municipality of Rumbeke.
At speed, the moped rider slaloms around the barrier and accelerates across the level crossing. A train, travelling at high speed, very nearly strikes the motorist.
😱 Un motard échappe in extrémis à une collision avec un train ce mardi à Izegem, causant près de 10h de retard sur le trafic ferroviaire. ⚠️ Respectez la signalisation aux abords des passages à niveau. En 2022, 11 personnes sont décédées lors d’accidents sur ces infrastructures. pic.twitter.com/qdFktoQmNl
— Infrabel_FR (@Infrabel_FR) April 19, 2023
“Respect the signs near level crossings,” Infrabel warns in relation to the tail-biting clip. “In 2022, 11 people died in accidents on [rail] infrastructure.”
Infrabel reminds road users to obey the highway code at all times around its level crossings and other infrastructure and to respect signs posted around crossings. Vehicles should never try to force their way across the tracks when the right lights, barriers, and warning signals are activated.
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According to RTL Info, local police have launched an investigation to find the motorcyclist. Infrabel says that the near miss led caused almost 10 hours of delays to rail traffic on the line.
Failing to respect road laws at level crossings is punishable by a fine of between €320 and €4,000. The offender’s driving licence is also liable to be taken and a driving ban applied for between eight days and five years. Offenders must also pay compensation for any damages or delays caused by their infraction.
