Tram careers into block of flats in Antwerp
A tram derailed and drove straight into a block of flats in Deurne in Antwerp last night. Five people were injured. Two are in a bad way.
The seriously injured include the driver. A passenger on the tram was so badly hurt he was fighting for his life but is now on the mend too. Three people sustained light injuries and were treated in hospital too.
The block of flats has had to be evacuated as a precaution, while engineers assess the stability of the building. Residents spent the night with friends or family or at a hotel paid for by the city authorities. As soon as the building is declared safe, the tram can be towed away. It’s a job that is expected to take all day. Overhead cabling too has been damaged.
The block is badly damaged, especially the dentist surgery on the ground floor.
Excessive speed is being investigated as a possible cause for the accident. Transport company engineers are examining the rolling stock and CCTV footage and will speak with the driver when he is ready.
