Horror moment train carrying 200 passengers smashes into lorry | World | News
This is the heartbreaking moment a passenger train crashed into a truck carrying thousands of pieces of fruit. CCTV footage shows a truck crossing the level crossing, then reversing as a car approaches from the opposite direction.
The collision occurred at around 11:10 local time on Thursday, October 30, in the Dutch village of Meteren, approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Amsterdam. The passenger train is believed to have evacuated around 200 passengers and been taken to nearby Den Bosch station, according to local media reports. Train operator ProRail said five people were injured in the accident. The images were published by the operator in the hope that they would serve as a warning to drivers.
As the driver tries to maneuver the heavy vehicle to safety, the crossing’s lights begin to flash and the barriers begin to come down before the train approaches quickly and crashes into the back of the truck. The impact caused a huge explosion and the pears were sent flying across the highway and railway.
ProRail said the footage “shows how quickly things can go wrong at a railway crossing and is shocking to watch. It’s better to damage a barrier than to endanger a life. If you’re stuck between barriers: Move on.” he said.
They added that one kilometer of rail needed to be replaced and that work would continue “until the weekend”.
Another video posted on the operator’s Instagram page shows the damage to the train, as well as the extensive and ongoing cleanup operation to remove the truck’s contents from the track and the surrounding area.
Drivers of large vehicles are advised to pass through safety barriers if they become stranded at level crossings, while vehicle drivers are told to remove all passengers from their vehicles and focus on safety.
A local who heard the crash said: “There was terrible property damage and a lot of pressure on the driver, but I’m glad only minor injuries were reported.”
ProRail continues to investigate the cause of the accident.
