Overview
- The crash occurred Thursday around 11:30 a.m. at the Bredestraat level crossing in Meteren after the truck braked and reversed onto the tracks as the barriers descended.
- Five people in the lorry were injured with minor wounds, while roughly 200 passengers were evacuated to Den Bosch without reported injuries.
- ProRail describes the damage as incredibly extensive, requiring about a kilometre of new track and repairs continuing into the weekend with ongoing service disruptions.
- Intercity trains between Utrecht and Den Bosch are suspended, the Geldermalsen–Den Bosch section is closed, and travelers are rerouted via Arnhem with replacement buses.
- Officials urge drivers of large vehicles to drive through barriers if trapped at crossings and advise car occupants to evacuate, as crews clear thousands of spilled pears from the line.