Rail traffic on the Charleroi-Ottignies line (Line 140) was severely disrupted on Tuesday morning following an incident involving a stranded freight train near La Roche.
The disruption, caused by a damaged overhead power line, has led to significant delays and cancellations for passenger trains.
According to Infrabel, the national railway network operator, the freight train experienced power issues overnight due to the damaged overhead line.
As a result, the train has come to a halt, blocking one of the two tracks between Fleurus and Ottignies. Consequently, only a single track is currently operational, severely limiting the capacity for passenger services and leading to a backlog of delays.
The freight train, which was transporting goods at the time of the incident, will need to be towed by a diesel locomotive before technical teams from Infrabel can begin the necessary repairs to the overhead line. The situation has left travelers frustrated, with many unable to continue their journeys as normal.
SNCB, the national train operator, has put in place a replacement bus shuttle service for affected passengers. The buses will operate between Fleurus and Ottignies, providing an alternative for those unable to use the disrupted rail service.
However, the replacement service is not expected to fully alleviate the chaos, as many passengers are facing long wait times and uncertainty regarding their travel plans.
The cause of the overhead line damage, which is likely to have been caused by external factors such as weather conditions or wear and tear, has yet to be fully determined.
However, Infrabel’s technical teams have been working since the early hours of the morning to restore the line to full operational capacity.
As of now, it is unclear how long the disruption will last. Infrabel is continuing to assess the situation, with hopes of resolving the issue as soon as possible.
Passengers have been advised to check for real-time updates on their journey and allow for extra travel time. SNCB and Infrabel are also encouraging travelers to consider alternative routes where possible.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges facing the Belgian rail network, which has experienced a number of delays and disruptions over the past few months due to a combination of technical issues, strikes, and adverse weather conditions.
Commuters are advised to remain patient as work continues to resolve the issue, with both Infrabel and SNCB promising to keep the public informed on any developments.
