Rail services between Zottegem and Melle (both East Flanders) have been suspended due to an accident involving a train and a lorry in the village of Gontrode, in the East Flemish municipality of Merelbeke-Melle. The accident happened after the lorry driver had driven onto the railway track while he was turning his vehicle. He attempted to drive off the track but was too late to prevent a collision. The train crashed into the back of the lorry’s trailer. The lorry driver was not injured.
The accident happened on Tuesday morning at a level crossing on the Kalverhagestraat in Gontrode. The lorry got stuck on the railway track as it was turning. Ther train driver applied the emergency brake but was unable to prevent a collision.
The Mayor of Merelbeke-Melle Egbert Lachaert (local liberal list) told VRT News that “No one was injured. The lorry driver is in shock and is currently being looked after by the emergency services”.
The passengers that were on the train were also deeply shocked by what had happened. "As it was rush hour the train was full. We are lucky that it wasn’t travelling at full speed when the accident happened. The train had come from Ghent and was on its way to Geraardsbergen", Mr Lachaert said.
Rail services between Zottegem and Melle have been suspended. A replacement bus service in in operation. The rail infrastructure management company Infrabel says that it won’t be until the afternoon before the line reopens.