A passenger train ploughed into a truck that became stuck on a protected level crossing in Meteren on Thursday, October 30, leaving five people with minor injuries and causing major damage to the truck and the track.
CCTV and drone footage released by rail operator ProRail show the truck beginning to cross the tracks, then braking and reversing as the crossing barriers started to lower; seconds later the train struck the rear of the truck. ProRail said the video was published to warn professional drivers and the public about the dangers of level crossings.
Five people — all associated with the truck were treated for minor injuries, officials said. Around 200 passengers on the train were evacuated and taken to Den Bosch station after the collision; there are no reports of serious injuries among rail passengers.
The impact heavily damaged the truck and scattered its load widely reported as fruit (pears) — across the crossing and tracks. Local and rail authorities said the collision also caused significant track damage; repair crews will be needed before normal services can resume on the line, and investigators are examining the exact sequence of events and any possible traffic or driver errors.
ProRail and transport industry representatives urged truck and bus drivers to follow safety guidance at level crossings and if a heavy vehicle becomes trapped to prioritise evacuating people and contacting emergency services; ProRail reiterated advice it has promoted previously about how to act when trapped on the rails. Investigations into the crash are ongoing and the crossing remained closed while clearance and repairs continued.
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