Train traffic has been interrupted in both directions on the railway line between Lokeren and Sint-Niklaas since 11:20 PM on Tuesday evening due to the collision between an empty train and a railway crane in Belsele. This is what railway network operator Infrabel reports.
The train driver was slightly injured. The disruption on the route will continue for a longer period of time.
The crane had to carry out work on the track on Tuesday night and – probably due to bad weather conditions – slid off the embankment and ended up on the track. The circumstances are still being investigated further, Infrabel said.
The empty train collided with the railway crane, partly derailed and partly ended up along the track. There is also damage to the rail infrastructure and overhead lines.
Due to the extensive damage to the rail infrastructure, the disruption on the route will continue for a longer period of time, Infrabel announced on Wednesday. There is damage to the tracks, to the catenary over a distance of 200 meters and to the catenary poles. Moreover, the derailed train must first be towed away using a rerailing train.
There is an adapted train service and replacement buses run between Lokeren and Sint-Niklaas with stops in Sinaai and Belsele. Certain trains are restricted on their route and some trains are diverted locally as much as possible, Infrabel said.
