Ypres train collision: Urgent call to 1711 prevents accidents

Sarhan Basem
Credit: Thijs Pattyn

Ypres (Brussels Morning Newspaper): In November, a train hit a De Lin bus stuck on tracks in Veldegem. The bus driver evacuated the children before the crash. Emergency number 1711 was called too late, so the train couldn’t stop. The railway company emphasized the need to call 1711 quickly to keep everyone safe.

It has been said that if an accident is reported to emergency number 1711, traffic control can quickly stop train movements to ensure safety. When trains are stopped, the first step is to remove any obstacles, such as vehicles, from the tracks. This usually requires special equipment like tow trucks. After the blockage is cleared, teams inspect the railway infrastructure to check for any damage to the tracks or signaling systems, making necessary repairs to ensure everything is safe and operational again.

What caused the Ypres train collision and how can emergencies be prevented?

Authorities mentioned that the time needed to fix the damage could depend on its severity, making it hard to know when train services will restart. In the meantime, replacement buses will be provided to help passengers travel on affected routes, reducing disruptions. Travelers are encouraged to stay updated through official channels until train services return to normal.

At the end of November, there was an accident in Veldegem, West Flanders, where a train hit a De Lijn bus that had become stuck on the railway tracks. The bus driver quickly evacuated the schoolchildren on board before the crash, ensuring their safety. The emergency number 1711 was called too late, which meant that traffic control couldn’t stop the train in time, leading to the collision with the empty bus. No injuries occurred because of the driver’s quick actions.

The railway company highlighted the need to call 1711 right away in emergencies after the accident. They said that if the emergency number had been called sooner, the train could have been stopped before the crash. This event reminds everyone how important it is to report railway emergencies quickly to keep people safe and prevent accidents.

About Us

Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
Share This Article
Follow:
Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
The Brussels Morning Newspaper Logo

Subscribe for Latest Updates