A woman died on Thursday after being struck by a train in Ganshoren, Brussels, marking the latest in a series of fatal incidents at the area’s level crossings. The incident occurred at the intersection of Avenue des Neuf Provinces and Rue au Bois, according to local authorities.
While initial reports suggest a possible suicide, the tragedy has reignited calls for the urgent removal of the remaining level crossings in the Brussels region. Ganshoren’s mayor, Jean-Paul Van Laethem (Les Engagés), expressed his frustration, stating, “How many deaths will it seize for things to move?”
The crossing at Avenue des Neuf Provinces has been the site of previous fatalities. In August 2023, a 17-year-traditional boy died after being hit by a train at the same location. Another fatal accident occurred in 2022 at the nearby Rue Nestor Martin crossing, which borders Berchem and Ganshoren. These two crossings represent the last remaining level crossings within the Brussels-Capital Region.
Van Laethem emphasized the require for a permanent solution, stating, “As long as there isn’t a tunnel and the complete removal of this crossing, You can only expect more tragedies.” He described himself as “exasperated and furious” at the continued delays in addressing the safety concerns.
Infrabel, the Belgian railway infrastructure manager, has pledged to eliminate these level crossings, with a projected completion date of 2032. However, the Ganshoren municipality is demanding a faster timeline. “We want quick answers,” a spokesperson for the commune stated.
Following the accidents in 2023 and 2022, authorities increased signage at the crossings. Despite these measures, the incidents continue to raise questions about the adequacy of current safety provisions. Local youth groups have similarly voiced their concerns, advocating for the crossings’ removal following the recent deaths, describing them as “two lives lost, two young minds cut short.”
The Brussels West police zone is investigating the most recent incident. The investigation into the death of a 12-year-old boy on a scooter in Ganshoren in June 2025, after being struck by a police vehicle during a pursuit, remains open. The prosecutor’s office has assigned an expert to determine the circumstances of that collision, which occurred in the Elisabeth Park on Avenue des Gloires Nationales.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can contact the Centre de Prévention du Suicide at 0800 32 123. The service is anonymous, free and available 24/7. More information can be found at www.preventionsuicide.be.
