23.02.2016
Boom lift causes fatal train derailment
An aerial work platform crossing a level crossing between the Dutch towns of Dalfsen and Ommen - near Zwolle east of Amsterdam - was struck by a train this morning killing the driver and injuring six others.
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The platform was moving very slowly and had only reached the middle of the crossing when the train struck
The tracked Aichi boom lift - owned by Barneveld-based Bij Van den Brink - was being used by a local company to trim trees when it crossed the train line at around 8:45 am this morning. After allowing a train to pass, the platform started to cross the tracks but was hit by another train travelling from the other direction.
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Part of the wreckage
A witness said that the platform was moving very slowly and had only reached the middle of the crossing when the train struck. The operator managed to jump clear of the machine before the collision took place. Thank fully there few people on the train.
Two people were transferred to the nearest hospital in Zwolle and a further four were treated for minor injuries at the scene.
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The collision left two people hospitalised and a further four were treated for minor injuries
The Safety Board has launched an investigation.
Gideon
Network Rail in the UK were prosecuted because they were making the public responsible for safety at level crossings rather than themselves. They are now installing electronic obstruction detectors at all unmanned level crossings and closing crossings that are too small to merit upgrading.