A high-speed train travelling between Lille(France) and Brussels collided with a stationary tractor trailer on a level crossing at Beclers (Tournai - Hainaut) earlier today railtrack operator Infrabel has confirmed. Two passengers on the train were injured. No trains were running to and from London for a while this morning. The accident happened at 7.55am CEST. As a result, traffic is disrupted on rail line 94 between Tournai and Halle (Flemish Brabant). Emergency services are at the scene.
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High-speed train collides with tractor trailer: 2 injured, traffic to London disrupted
Colin Clapson
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The high-speed train, a TGV inOui, took line 94 as a diversion because the normal high-speed line between France and Brussels is under maintenance. Rail traffic on the line is currently completely interrupted. Trains running to and from London are now being diverted, says the Infrabel spokesman.
The tractor's trailer was dragged over a long distance. The farmer, who was able to exit his vehicle before the collision, was unhurt. ‘The high-speed train on the line was not travelling fast,’ Infrabel notes, but expect cancellations all day.
The 120 passengers on the high-speed train were evacuated and bussed to the centre of Tournai. One passenger sustained light injuries, a scond is in a more serious condition.
Eurostar says trains from Amsterdam and Brussels will run to London today via an alternative route that will put an extra hour on the journey. Passengers travelling today can rebook or get their money back.
The accident has led to long queues at Brussels South Station (Zuid/Midi) and severe delays.