Second train derailment at Amsterdam CS

10 June 2005

AMSTERDAM — An empty goods train derailed overnight on the west side of Amsterdam’s Central Station, the second such accident within a week.

Three of the coal train’s 36 wagons were derailed, but no injuries were reported. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

A spokesman from rail network authority ProRail said the problems resulting from the accident were minor.

Nevertheless, commuters between Haarlem and Amsterdam have been advised to expect a 30 minute delay on Friday.

Depending on investigations into the cause of the accident, ProRail said the railway will be cleared later in the day.

The spokesman also said ProRail expects “the derailed wagons will be placed back on the rails at about midday”.

Despite initial fears of extensive damage, very little damage to track infrastructure was reported.

The train was en route from Cologne in Germany to the industrial terrain in Amsterdam Westhaven when the accident occurred.

The derailment was the second such accident within a week at Amsterdam Central.

A train carrying gravel derailed also on the west side of the station on Tuesday morning.

Train delays were reported on Tuesday and Wednesday as authorities worked to repair the heavily damaged section of track.

Investigations into the cause of that accident are continuing.

Subject: Dutch news