Train services between Ghent and Bruges were suspended in both directions on Sunday afternoon following a personal incident near Aalter, disrupting one of Belgium’s busiest rail corridors. The interruption affected local and intercity connections, prompting swift operational changes to limit passenger inconvenience.
Railway network operator Infrabel confirmed the suspension and said emergency services were deployed to the scene. While details of the incident were not disclosed, authorities stressed that safety procedures required the temporary closure of the line during the response.
To mitigate the impact, local trains were rerouted via Deinze and Lichtervelde. The diversion allowed some services to continue operating, though with longer travel times and altered stopping patterns that required passenger attention.
The Belgian National Railway Company, SNCB, also arranged replacement buses between Ghent and Bruges. These buses were deployed to bridge the gap created by the suspension, particularly for passengers already en route or waiting at affected stations.
SNCB warned travellers to expect delays and advised them to consult real-time updates through its website and mobile app. Station announcements and staff assistance were increased at major stops to help manage crowding and provide guidance.
According to SNCB, train services were expected to resume at the earliest by 17:00, subject to clearance from emergency responders and infrastructure checks. The timeline depended on the safe completion of on-site operations and verification of track conditions.
The Ghent–Bruges line is a vital artery in Flanders, serving commuters, students, and tourists. Disruptions on this route often ripple across the wider network, particularly on weekends when leisure travel peaks.
Passengers interviewed at Ghent-Sint-Pieters described mixed experiences. Some praised the quick deployment of buses, while others expressed frustration over unclear departure points and longer journeys. “It’s inconvenient, but at least there’s an alternative,” one traveller said.
Infrabel emphasized that personal incidents require careful coordination to ensure the safety of all involved, including passengers, staff, and first responders. The operator reiterated its commitment to minimizing downtime while adhering to strict safety protocols.
Rail unions and passenger advocacy groups have previously called for clearer communication during disruptions. On Sunday, digital boards and social media updates helped disseminate information, though some passengers reported delays in receiving notifications.
Transport analysts note that rerouting via Deinze and Lichtervelde, while effective, can strain secondary lines not designed for sustained high volumes. SNCB said it monitored traffic closely to avoid knock-on delays elsewhere.
Local authorities in Aalter urged patience and thanked emergency crews for their work. They also reminded the public to respect privacy and avoid speculation when personal incidents occur on transport networks.
By late afternoon, signs of gradual normalization were visible, with test movements reported on nearby sections. Final clearance, however, depended on formal approval from safety teams and infrastructure inspectors.
SNCB advised passengers planning evening travel to check before departing and to allow extra time. Refunds and ticket flexibility policies were applied in line with standard disruption procedures.
As services prepared to resume, the incident underscored the fragility of busy transport corridors and the importance of coordinated responses. For many travellers, Sunday’s disruption was a reminder to stay informed and adaptable when using public transport.
Authorities concluded by reaffirming that safety remains the overriding priority. Further updates were promised as soon as the line was fully reopened and normal timetables restored.
