Video: Warning issued to bus, truck drivers after train crash injures 4
ProRail released video of a train accident at a secured level crossing in Meteren on Thursday, in which five people were hurt. A train crashed into a truck on the crossing. The video serves as a warning to truck and bus drivers to be extra careful at railway crossings, the rail manager said. “The footage shows how quickly things can go wrong at a railway crossing and is shocking to watch.”
The accident happened at around 11:30 a.m. at the crossing on Bredestraat. The video shows the truck starting across the crossing, then braking and reversing, apparently to avoid oncoming traffic. The truck gets stuck behind closing booms and, seconds later, gets hit by a train.
Five people sustained minor injuries. It is unclear whether they needed hospital treatment. All five victims were in the truck. About 200 passengers were on the train. They were evacuated and taken to Den Bosch station.
ProRail is investigating the cause of the accident and is working on repairs. “The damage to the track is incredibly extensive,” the rail manager said. “A kilometer of track needs to be replaced. The repair will continue well into the weekend.”
The accident had far-reaching consequences for train traffic on the route between Utrecht and Den Bosch, NS reported. No trains are running between Geldermalsen and Den Bosh. No intercity trains are running between Utrecht and Den Bosch. Passengers can travel via Arnhem, and replacement buses are running between Geldermalsen and Den Bosch.
In consultation with Transport en Logistiek Nederland, the trade organization for the logistics and transport sector, ProRail released the video of the accident to raise awareness and improve behavior at level crossings. “Safety starts with alertness and the right choices - especially with heavy vehicles,” ProRail said. “Better to damage a barrier than to put a life in danger. If you’re stuck between the barriers: Keep going.”
