Still no trains between Den Bosch and Tilburg, Boxtel after derailment
Rail service between Den Bosch and both Tilburg and Boxtel remains suspended following a work train derailment near Vught early Saturday morning. Five axles of the train went off the tracks, but no injuries were reported, according to ProRail, the Dutch rail infrastructure manager.
The derailment occurred around 3:30 a.m. Saturday. Initial estimates expected the lines to reopen by Monday, but ProRail now says repairs will likely continue until 5 a.m. Tuesday due to extensive damage. Multiple track components were affected, including damaged switches, several rails, and a few sleepers.
“First, the train had to be carefully lifted piece by piece using special equipment,” said ProRail spokesperson Lotte Kaatee. “It takes time to safely remove such a heavy train and inspect the track before repairs can begin.”
The Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) warned travelers to expect longer journeys and crowded trains. NS has deployed replacement buses, but rerouting involves extra travel time. Commuters are advised to check the NS app or website before departure.
The cause of the derailment is still under investigation. ProRail is working with the contractor and the Dutch Inspection of Government and Transport (IOT) to determine what went wrong. Kaatee said updates on the cause are expected Monday afternoon.
