Serious damage from storm

16 July 2007

BRUSSELS – The storm that hit the Waasland and Denderstreek areas between 7 and 7.30 am on Monday caused a number of injuries. Two people have been reported seriously injured and a number of others suffered minor injuries.

A woman suffered serious injuries in Sint-Niklaas when part of a carport came loose and struck her. In Kallo a number of containers fell on the Katoen Natie terminal. A number of freight and passenger vehicles were damaged and two people were injured.

Train service between Sint-Niklaas and Antwerp was stopped in the direction of Ghent. A number of trees had been brought down on the tracks. One train full of tourists heading towards Blankenberge hit a tree. The train was damaged but no one was injured.

Flooding has been reported in various places in Sint-Niklaas, including the city hall. Several cafes have also suffered damage. Hamme residents say a minor hurricane even destroyed roofs in the area. Overhead cables on the Hoge Bokstraat in Sint-Niklaas and other places were brought down by fallen trees.

Subject: Belgian news