A pedestrian pushing a bicycle loaded with a long wooden beam narrowly escaped a train collision at a railway crossing in Twello on a Thursday afternoon, Hart van Nederland reported. The man crossed the tracks at the Stationsstraat crossing while warning lights flashed and bells sounded, with the incident taking place in the Gelderland town on November 5.
The man walked toward the crossing at approximately 3:30 p.m. with his bicycle in hand, and did not walk particularly fast.
The pedestrian walked slowly onto the tracks while the crossing signals activated just five seconds before the barriers descended, Head Topics reported. Carrying both a bicycle and a long plank, he attempted to maneuver around the lowered gate without success, and became stuck in front of the closed barrier at the other side of the crossing.
As the train approached, the driver sounded a loud warning horn, according to Head Topics. The man ultimately pressed himself tightly against the barrier, allowing the train to rush past him without striking him, Hart van Nederland reported.
Railway manager ProRail strongly condemned the incident, describing it as foolish and extremely dangerous. The organization stated that the man placed himself at risk and caused severe distress to the train driver, according to Hart van Nederland, adding that the chance of a collision with damage or injury was substantial as the train missed him by a hair.
He brings not only himself into danger, but also scares the driver to death,
ProRail stated to De Gelderlander, as cited by Hart van Nederland. The agency added that the driver had to watch helplessly and hope the situation ended safely, creating an unpleasant stress situation that could easily have been avoided.
- Location: Stationsstraat railway crossing in Twello.
- Time: Thursday afternoon at approximately 3:30 p.m. on November 5.
- Cargo: A bicycle and a long wooden beam.
- Signal Timing: Warning lights and bells activated five seconds before barriers descended.
ProRail called the action irresponsible and incredibly foolish, noting that it created an unnecessary and severe stress situation for the train driver.
The man stood flat against the lowered crossing barrier after failing to maneuver around it, allowing the approaching train to clear him by a narrow margin.
The event occurred at the railway crossing on Stationsstraat in the Gelderland town of Twello.