Train Collides with Lorry Carrying Fruit in Netherlands, injuring Five
Meteren, Netherlands – A passenger train carrying approximately 200 people collided with a lorry transporting thousands of pieces of fruit in the Dutch village of meteren on Thursday, October 30th, at around 11:10am local time.Five people sustained injuries in the crash, according to train operator ProRail.
CCTV footage released by ProRail shows the lorry initially passing the level crossing before reversing as a car approached from the opposite direction. The train then struck the back of the lorry, causing a significant impact and scattering pears across the road and railway.
ProRail stated the footage ”shows how quickly things can go wrong at a railway crossing and is shocking to watch.” The operator advises drivers of large vehicles who find themselves stuck on level crossings to drive through the safety barriers, while those in cars should prioritize evacuating all passengers to safety.
A kilometre of track requires replacement as a result of the collision, with repairs expected to continue “well into the weekend.” Cleanup operations are currently underway to remove the lorry’s contents and repair damage to the train.
“There was terrible material damage and a lot of pressure on the driver involved, but I’m glad only minor injuries are reported,” said one local resident who heard the impact.
ProRail is continuing to investigate the cause of the accident.Passengers on the train were evacuated and transported to the nearby Den Bosch station.
