One dead in train accident near The Hague, dozens injured

A train accident in the Dutch town of Voorschoten, north of The Hague, has resulted in one fatality. Dozens of others were taken to hospital with injuries. A spokesperson for the local emergency services could not say how many passengers were seriously injured. People were also treated at the scene.

At around 3.30, a goods train and a passenger train carrying about 50 passengers collided with a construction crane on the track. Work on the tracks was in progress at the time of the accident, but two of the four tracks were still accessible. It is not clear why or how the crane, belonging to construction company BAM, ended up on the track.

One person was killed in the accident. Nineteen were taken to hospital, while 20 received medical assistance at the scene. The driver of the passenger train was injured but is conscious. The driver of the goods train is "fine" and was able to go home, freight carrier DB Cargo reported. The passenger train was partially derailed and a fire broke out in the rear section.

Director of Dutch train operator NS Wouter Koolmees said he was "shocked" by the accident and called for a "proper investigation".

Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte and the Dutch royal couple have expressed their condolences to the victims. Meanwhile, the Dutch Safety Board has opened an investigation into the accident. "It is too early to say anything about the accident itself because it has just happened, but the investigation is ongoing," a spokesperson said. Director of Dutch train operator NS Wouter Koolmees said he was "shocked" by the accident and called for a "proper investigation".

(BRV)

^{© ANP PHOTO REMKO DE WAAL}