Sint-Niklaas (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The train service resumed routine operations early this morning after a crash at the Uilenstraat railway crossing in Sint-Niklaas halted traffic between Antwerp-Berchem and Sint-Niklaas overnight. A van was stranded on the tracks at approximately 9:30 pm.
Train service between Antwerp-Berchem and Sint-Niklaas resumed this morning after tracks in Uilenstraat, Sint-Niklaas had an accident overnight. The accident happened at 9:30 pm when a vehicle became stuck on the track, and emergency braking failed to stop an oncoming train from hitting it. The van driver vacated before the collision; however, all 50 passengers onboard were safe after they received emergency bus transport to Sint-Niklaas station.
Infrabel’s first findings show the driver failed to estimate the railway crossing properly, so the van stayed on the tracks. The video recordings showed the driver trying to move his stuck vehicle but couldn’t get it off the tracks before the crash. Infrabel representatives explained how emergency brakes could not prevent an approaching train from hitting the vehicle.
Officials reported that despite being available, emergency line 1711 received no calls during the incident.
“That didn’t work, an oncoming train couldn’t avoid a collision despite emergency braking,”
The spokesperson added.
The train crash caused disruption in service on both tracks between Antwerp-Berchem and Sint-Niklaas while buses ran to get passengers to their destinations.

Are railway crossings becoming a safety concern?
Belgian railway crossings have become known risks because of past traffic collisions. Youths on the tracks led to new safety enhancements with better signs and warning devices, and awareness campaigns. Despite safety systems and awareness efforts, multiple accidents have been reported due to errors and poor emergency assistance.
Infrabel asks everyone to take crossing safety seriously and use emergency number 1711 when needed. This accident shows why people must know how to use the 1711 emergency service. The authorities’ current investigations show the need for ongoing work to protect train tracks and riders against future safety threats.