Zedelgem, West Flanders – A catastrophic train collision was narrowly avoided on Friday morning after a De Lijn bus broke down at a level crossing on Koning Albertstraat in Veldegem.
Thanks to the swift actions of the bus driver, all passengers were safely evacuated moments before a train struck the stranded vehicle, splitting it in half. Despite the severity of the collision, only two train passengers sustained minor injuries.
The accident occurred at approximately 7:00 AM, disrupting train services between Bruges and Lichtervelde and causing significant damage to railway infrastructure. Officials warn that repairs could take until Monday to complete.
Chronology of the Incident
The chain of events unfolded rapidly when the De Lijn bus stalled on the level crossing. Within four minutes, a train on its regular route approached, unable to stop in time despite the driver initiating an emergency brake.
Witnesses describe the harrowing moments before the collision. “The bus driver immediately recognized the danger and acted decisively,” said an eyewitness.
Passengers, alerted by the driver’s instructions, scrambled to safety just as the train collided with the bus, shattering the vehicle into two pieces and causing the train to derail.
Swift Response Averts Disaster
De Lijn spokesperson Frederik Wittock commended the driver’s composure under pressure. “His quick thinking saved lives today. He put the safety of his passengers above everything else,” Wittock stated. The driver, whose name has not been disclosed, is being hailed as a hero.
Railway operator Infrabel echoed the sentiment but emphasized that more timely communication could have potentially averted the collision altogether.
“The emergency number 1711 exists precisely for situations like this. However, it was called too late to halt the approaching train,” said spokesperson Thomas Baeken.
The emergency brake was activated by the train driver, but with the vehicle moving at significant speed, avoiding the impact was impossible. “The distance was simply too short to stop in time,” Baeken added.
Emergency Protocols at Level Crossings
The collision has reignited discussions around the importance of emergency protocols at railway crossings. Infrabel stressed the need for the public to be aware of safety measures and procedures in such situations.
“Each level crossing has a unique identification code displayed on stickers attached to the signal posts,” explained Baeken.
“When calling 1711, providing this information is crucial for dispatching a quick response. However, even after reporting an incident, it is essential to move to a safe distance to avoid harm from potential debris during a collision.”
In this case, the rapid escalation left little time for intervention, but officials believe greater awareness of emergency protocols could minimize risks in future incidents.
Impact on Train Services
The collision caused the train to derail, leading to extensive damage to the tracks and surrounding infrastructure.
SNCB, the national railway operator, announced immediate disruptions to services between Bruges and Lichtervelde. Replacement bus services have been arranged to accommodate affected passengers.
Infrabel has deployed teams to assess and repair the damage, but initial reports suggest that restoration may take several days. “We are working around the clock to restore services, but passengers should expect disruptions until Monday,” Baeken stated.
The derailment has caused delays and cancellations across the regional network, prompting frustration among commuters.
“I understand that accidents happen, but the lack of clear communication about alternative transport has been a challenge,” said a regular commuter from Bruges.
Investigations Underway
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the bus breakdown. De Lijn officials confirmed that the vehicle had undergone routine maintenance recently, but mechanical failure cannot be ruled out.
“Our buses are regularly inspected to ensure safety and reliability. We will cooperate fully with investigators to understand what went wrong,” said Wittock.
For Infrabel, the incident underscores the vulnerabilities inherent in level crossings. The organization has been advocating for the removal or upgrading of such crossings in high-traffic areas.
“We have already reduced the number of level crossings in Belgium significantly, but this incident highlights the need for continued efforts,” Baeken noted.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents of Veldegem were shaken by the incident, with many describing the sound of the collision as “thunderous.”
Local resident Pieter De Smet said, “I live just a few streets away. The noise was deafening. When I arrived at the scene, I couldn’t believe the bus was split in half.”
Another eyewitness, who was on the train, recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the impact. “The train started shaking violently, and people were thrown off their seats. Everyone was in shock, but thankfully, it seems no one was seriously hurt,” they said.
Community Reaction
The community of Zedelgem has rallied in support of those affected. Local officials praised the coordinated response of emergency services, who were on the scene within minutes.
Zedelgem Mayor Annick Vermeulen expressed relief that the outcome was not more severe. “This could have been a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. We are deeply grateful for the quick actions of the bus driver and the emergency responders,” she said.
Residents also voiced concerns about the safety of the Koning Albertstraat level crossing, which has seen several near-misses in recent years.
“We’ve been asking for barriers or an alternative crossing for a long time. Hopefully, this incident will push authorities to take action,” said a local shop owner.
Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
Infrabel and local authorities are now under pressure to reassess safety measures at level crossings across the region.
Although the total number of crossings in Belgium has decreased from 1,800 to fewer than 1,400 in the past decade, incidents like the one in Zedelgem highlight the ongoing risks.
Experts advocate for a combination of infrastructure upgrades and public awareness campaigns. “It’s not just about removing crossings; it’s about educating the public on how to respond in emergencies. The faster you report an issue, the higher the chances of avoiding a disaster,” said transport safety consultant Jeroen Vandamme.
Looking Ahead
As investigations continue, De Lijn and Infrabel have pledged full cooperation with authorities. In the meantime, the priority remains on restoring normalcy for train passengers and addressing the concerns of the local community.
The heroic actions of the bus driver have brought a rare glimmer of hope to what could have been a tragic story. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and swift action in ensuring safety at railway crossings.
For now, residents of Zedelgem and commuters in West Flanders will have to contend with the aftermath of the collision, hoping that lessons learned from this incident will lead to meaningful change.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
