A train collided with a concrete block on the tracks near Heerenveen IJsstadion station last night. The block, along with other items, was thrown onto the tracks and dragged several kilometers to Heerenveen station.
ProRail and NS have filed a police report, according to Omrop Fryslân. Although no injuries occurred, both train organizations described the incident as “extremely dangerous.” The police spoke with two boys near the tracks, but did not detain them, as they are still under investigation, a police spokesperson stated.
“It remains to be seen if they were involved.” Around 11:30 PM, the train struck the concrete block, a ProRail spokesperson said. This was not the first incident involving objects on the tracks that evening.
Earlier, train drivers had reported running over objects in the same area twice. Several drivers felt they ran over something around 10:30 PM, which were likely small stones, as traces were found.
Subsequently, ProRail requested trains in the area to slow down “to monitor the situation.” More items were discovered on the tracks, including a chair, table, and an old Christmas tree. “It is beyond belief,” the ProRail spokesperson commented.
A driver stopped to remove the items. Shortly after, another train hit the large concrete block.
“It is disproportionate to have concrete on the tracks,” the spokesperson said. The train could have derailed.
“This must stop. It is absurd.”
Source: NOS