Loenhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Around 300 passengers were stranded near Loenhout for over 2.5 hours on a broken Eurocity train without toilets or air conditioning, as NMBS organised emergency aid and evacuation
As reported by VRT news, as of June 30, 2025, approximately 300 people on the train, which travelled this morning in Loenhout village in Antwerp province, got stuck as it broke down. It travelled from Antwerp at 8:35 AM, and the toilets didn’t work: the train hardly had time after that to stop for more than about two and a half hours.
Officials mentioned that families with kids were stuck. The air conditioning also stopped working, so it got very hot inside. Passenger Pieter Dejonghe said it was uncomfortable, and people were sweating because it was so hot and stuffy.
What caused 300 passengers to be stranded on a Eurocity train near Loenhout?
The train doors stayed closed for safety until help arrived. Emergency services and security from the Belgian railway company, NMBS, came to the scene. Once they were there, the doors opened to let in fresh air, and water was given out. Officials mentioned that this helped a little, but people were still upset and tired from the delay and tough conditions.
The incident has caused worries about how these situations are managed, especially regarding air, water, and working toilets. NMBS plans to look into what happened and improve how it helps passengers in the future.
“The air conditioning went out, and then it was really huffing and puffing.”
Pieter Dejonghe, train passenger
Dimitri Temmerman, a spokesperson for NMBS, reported that response teams were quickly sent after the Eurocity train failed in Loenhout. He stated that NMBS had extra staff ready, especially given the high temperatures, as the railway company anticipated potential weather-related problems.
The cause of the breakdown was a technical issue with the train, although specific details were not immediately available. Because a fast repair wasn’t possible, NMBS organised an evacuation train. This relief train arrived shortly before noon and was positioned on a nearby track to transport passengers across the border to the Netherlands.
“I happened to hear the driver,”
Passenger Dejonghe adds.
“Apparently, these new Eurocity trains are still struggling with teething problems, and something happens regularly.”
Passenger Pieter Dejonghe said it was hard work, especially for those with heavy bags or bikes. People had to walk over the tracks with their luggage, strollers, and bikes to get to the new train. The transfer started around 11:30 AM, after passengers had been stuck on the broken train for over 2 and a half hours in the heat.
