Merksem, Antwerp – A 16-year-old boy sustained injuries on Monday morning after being struck by a tram in Merksem, according to local police reports.
The incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Bredabaan, near Burgemeester Nolfplein, a bustling area in the northern district of Antwerp.
The teenager, who was likely on his way to school, failed to notice the approaching tram until it was too late. Witnesses at the scene described the moment of impact as sudden, with bystanders rushing to assist the boy before emergency services arrived.
“He appeared to be distracted and didn’t see the tram coming,” said one witness who lives in the neighborhood. “It all happened so fast. People were shouting to warn him, but there wasn’t enough time for him to react.”
Local authorities were quick to respond to the scene, and the injured teenager was promptly taken to the hospital by emergency medical services.
Despite the severity of the accident, the boy was conscious during his transport and, according to officials, his injuries are not life-threatening. He is currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, and medical staff have confirmed that he is not in critical condition.
The Antwerp police have launched an investigation into the incident, but early reports suggest that no foul play was involved. The focus appears to be on whether the boy’s inattention or other factors contributed to the accident.
Investigators are also working with De Lijn, the public transportation company responsible for tram operations in the city, to review footage and gather information from the tram driver involved.
The accident has led to significant disruptions in tram services in Merksem, particularly during the busy morning commute. De Lijn announced that several tram timetables in the area have been affected, with delays and temporary suspensions impacting commuters.
Replacement buses were deployed to assist passengers, and De Lijn issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the unexpected delays.
“We are working closely with local authorities to investigate the incident and restore normal operations as soon as possible,” a De Lijn spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
Merksem is a densely populated district with heavy traffic, particularly along Bredabaan, one of its main roads. Monday’s incident has renewed calls from local residents for increased safety measures in the area, especially during school hours.
Pedestrians and cyclists have long expressed concerns about the high volume of traffic, including trams, buses, and cars, sharing the same narrow roads.
“This is not the first time something like this has happened,” said a resident who lives near the scene of the accident. “We need more pedestrian crossings, better signage, and perhaps more education on road safety, especially for the younger ones who walk to school every day.”
The Antwerp police have urged the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant around trams, particularly during peak hours when roads and sidewalks are congested.
As of Monday afternoon, tram services in Merksem have gradually resumed, though De Lijn warns of potential delays as full operations are restored. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely while conducting their investigation into the cause of the accident.
