Train services between Ghent-Saint-Peters and Brussels resumed on Thursday afternoon after an early morning disruption caused by a cable theft in East Flanders.
The incident, which occurred at around 03:00, resulted in significant delays and cancellations, particularly during the busy morning commute.
The theft involved the removal of 1,000-volt copper cables from the Erpe-Mere region, a critical component that powers the railway network’s signals.
Infrabel, the Belgian railway network manager, confirmed that the stolen cables were essential to maintaining safe and efficient train operations on the line connecting Ghent-Saint-Peters and Brussels, one of Belgium’s busiest routes.
As a result of the theft, several P trains—peak-hour services primarily catering to commuters—were cancelled entirely. Additionally, other train services that typically pass through the affected area had to be rerouted.
Trains were diverted via Aalst and Denderleeuw, adding an average of 20 minutes to journey times for passengers. The disruption caused significant inconvenience, particularly for commuters traveling to Brussels for work.
Infrabel’s maintenance teams were dispatched to the site of the theft early on Thursday morning to assess the damage and begin repair work.
The stolen copper cables were quickly replaced, and the affected signals were restored to ensure the safe resumption of train services.
By early afternoon, train operations had returned to normal, though some residual delays were reported as schedules gradually recovered.
Infrabel spokesperson Frédéric Petit expressed frustration over the incident, noting that cable thefts are a recurring problem for Belgium’s railway network.
“Cable theft is not just a financial burden; it also severely disrupts train traffic and impacts thousands of passengers. We are working closely with the authorities to combat this issue, but it remains a significant challenge.”
Belgium has seen an uptick in cable theft incidents in recent years, driven by the high value of copper on the black market.
Thieves often target railway infrastructure during the night, taking advantage of the reduced train traffic. However, such thefts can have far-reaching consequences, leading to delays, cancellations, and safety risks for both passengers and railway workers.
In response to the growing threat, Infrabel has implemented several measures aimed at deterring cable thefts.
These include increasing surveillance along vulnerable sections of the railway network, installing anti-theft devices, and working closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prevent thefts. Despite these efforts, incidents like the one on Thursday morning continue to pose challenges.
Commuters affected by the disruption expressed their frustration over the delays. Many turned to social media to voice their concerns, with some questioning the effectiveness of Infrabel’s anti-theft measures. However, others acknowledged the swift response from the railway network manager in restoring services.
Infrabel has urged passengers to remain patient in the event of future disruptions caused by cable thefts. The company continues to emphasize its commitment to maintaining a reliable and secure railway network for all passengers, despite the ongoing challenges posed by theft and vandalism.
While Thursday’s incident caused significant inconvenience, train services between Ghent-Saint-Peters and Brussels are now fully operational, allowing passengers to resume their usual travel plans.
