Wevelgem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Wevelgem tunnel on E403 between Bruges and Doornik remains completely closed due to an accident involving 5 cars and two trucks. Rescue teams helped free two trapped victims.
An accident in the Wevelgem tunnel has forced the complete closure of the E403 motorway, which links Bruges to Tournai. Five cars, along with two trucks, were involved in the incident, during which emergency teams saved two trapped victims. Emergency responders freed all trapped individuals after successfully managing the situation, yet the motorway remains closed between Moorsele, where it joins the A19 and its other points. The authorities expect an extended closure of the highway while warning passengers to bypass the zone entirely and use the emergency lanes available.
A dangerous collision took place inside the Wevelgem tunnel, which created substantial traffic problems on the E403. While police officials verified that five cars, along with two trucks, joined in the crash, they continued investigating the circumstances of the complete accident.
Two individuals got stuck before emergency personnel managed to free them from the accident scene. The traffic situation is critical; thus, emergency services recommend using the R8 route as a detour to reach E17 and Tournai. Emergency authorities stress the need to maintain open access in emergency lanes because this allows rescue vehicles to pass.
What is the significance of the E403 and Wevelgem Tunnel in Belgium’s traffic network?
The E403 acts as an essential Belgian highway that links Bruges to Tournai, where it performs crucial duties for regular passengers and goods transportation. This motorway participates in the extensive European road network, which enables interstate transportation. One of the most important infrastructure features on this highway is the Wevelgem tunnel because of its central position.
The E403 serves as a top regional transportation corridor because the latest traffic data shows it handles about 50,000 vehicles each day. Previous incidents in the tunnel have exposed its susceptibility to accidents as well as subsequent traffic disruptions. Both local residents and international freight carriers experience effects from the tunnel closure because the E403 serves as a vital transport connection between Belgium and its neighbouring states.
Lailuma Sadid is a former diplomat in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Embassy to the kingdom of Belgium, in charge of NATO. She attended the NATO Training courses and speakers for the events at NATO H-Q in Brussels, and also in Nederland, Germany, Estonia, and Azerbaijan. Sadid has is a former Political Reporter for Pajhwok News Agency, covering the London, Conference in 2006 and Lisbon summit in 2010.
