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Fatal Crash Causes Delays in Dutch Intercity Train Services

Posted on: Saturday, 5 November 2005, 09:00 CST

Fatal crash causes delays in Dutch intercity train services

BRUSSELS, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Train services between the central Dutch cities of Zwolle and Deventer were disrupted by a fatal accident on Thursday and will not be resumed until Saturday afternoon, Dutch news agency ANP reported Friday.

A lorry driver died of his injuries after his vehicle was struck by an intercity train on a level crossing in the town of Wijhe on Thursday.

The train driver was seriously injured and 30 passengers were treated for injuries ranging from broken bones to grazes.

The intercity train was partially derailed by the collision with the stationary lorry and 300 to 400 meters of track were damaged. Between four and five supports for the overhead power lines were hit by the train and will have to be replaced.

The level crossing had flashing lights to warn motorists of ongoing trains, but it did not have a barrier to block access to the tracks when a train was passing.

Buses are being used to ferry passengers between Deventer and Zwolle and train passengers may also detour via other Dutch cities.

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, a local train from Zutphen to Hengelo and Oldenzaal derailed at a switching point in Zutphen on Friday morning. There were no injuries reported and the passengers were transported from the scene in buses.

Network manager ProRail said it would take several hours to get the train back on the tracks. As a result there are no trains between Zutphen and Deventer, and between Zutphen and Lochem. Buses are being used instead.

Source: Xinhua News Agency - CEIS

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