Dutch train crash kills civilian after passenger train collides with crane and falls
Train derailment in western Netherlands kills 1, injures around 30. Train hit a construction crane, causing damage to a freight train. 19 people have been hospitalized. Investigations are ongoing.
Several investigations have been opened into the incident, including by ProRail – the governmental body responsible for the country’s rail networks.
The nearby Leiden Central Station, which lies between The Hague and Amsterdam, has been closed.
No trains to and from the city are expected to run until at least 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT).
“This is an incredibly tragic accident,” Voorschoten Mayor Nadine Stemerdink said.
“We regret there was also a fatality. My thoughts go out to all the family and friends of those involved.”
The country’s Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, has expressed his condolences, as have the King and Queen.
“Our thoughts are with the victims of the train accident at Voorschoten and their families,” a statement from the Royal House reads.
“Many are now in fear and uncertainty. We deeply sympathise with all of them.”
The BBC’s correspondent in The Hague, Anna Holligan, has said that this sort of incident is extremely rare in the Netherlands, where the rail systems are generally very safe.