Train crash in Leuven, one confirmed dead

One person has been killed and at least 15 more injured after a train leaving Leuven for De Panne on Saturday afternoon derailed just outside Leuven’s station, a spokesperson for rail infrastructure company Infrabel has confirmed. One wagon left the rails and fell on its side.

The accident took place at 13.20, as the train passed over a set of points. One wagon left the rails and derailed the others, for reasons which still have to be clarified.

Several passengers were injured, according to Leuven mayor Louis Tobback, and one person was killed. According to reports on VRT, 15 ambulances were in attendance for what early reports describe as 15 to 30 injured. The city has triggered the medical disaster plan.

Rail traffic between Leuven and Brussels was suspended and replaced by a bus service. Train traffic was restored between Leuven and Brussels on Saturday evening, but is down to one track, so passengers are warned to expect delays.

On Sunday, buses replace trains between Leuven and Mechelen and between Leuven and Aarschot. Travellers from Leuven to Brussels Airport are advised to go via Brussels North.