The coastal tram service in Belgium experienced a significant disruption on 2025-05-03 14:28:00 following a traffic accident in Sint-Idesbald near Koksijde. The incident involved a car attempting to cross the tram tracks and being hit by the tram, causing a halt in operations between Nieuwpoort and De Panne for an hour and a half.
- Kusttramverkeer onderbroken door verkeersongeval Sint-Idesbald
- Auto geraakt door kusttram, belandt tegen paal
- Twee gewonden, passagier naar ziekenhuis vervoerd
- Tramchauffeur onder de indruk, geen passagiers gewond
- Technisch team De Lijn herstelt en controleert tram
- Pendelbussen ingezet tijdens spooronderbreking, verkeer hervat
According to De Lijn spokesperson Frederik Wittock, the collision left two people lightly injured, with one passenger requiring hospital treatment. Thankfully, no tram passengers were hurt, though the tram driver was visibly shaken by the crash. What safety measures could prevent similar accidents in the future? And how will this impact daily commuters along the coast?
Here is what happened and what it means for the coastal tram network moving forward.
Accidents like this highlight the challenges of sharing road space with trams. Could better signage or barriers reduce such risks? Key points to consider include:
- The car driver failed to notice the approaching tram while crossing tracks, leading to the collision.
- Tram services were suspended but quickly restored after clearing the accident scene and conducting safety checks.
- Emergency response included deploying shuttle buses to maintain passenger mobility during the disruption.
Moving forward, authorities and transport operators should review safety protocols and public awareness campaigns to minimize future disruptions. Commuters are encouraged to stay informed about tram schedules and possible delays, ensuring safer and smoother travel along Belgium’s picturesque coast.
