Train Disrupted After Collision with Escaped Cow in Belgium

Train services between Halle and Enghien in Belgium were severely disrupted on Friday morning after a train collided with an escaped cow on the railway tracks. The impact, described by officials as significant, caused heavy damage to one train car and forced the evacuation of approximately 50 passengers, according to VRT NWS.

Incident Details

The collision occurred in the early morning on Line 94, the Tournai-Ath-Brussels railway line, near Saintes (Tubize) in Walloon Brabant. The cow had wandered onto the tracks at Bierk (Bierghes), just across the language border between Flanders and Wallonia. The animal did not survive the impact.

“The cow unfortunately did not survive it,” said Frédéric Petit, spokesperson for Infrabel, the Belgian railway infrastructure manager. He described the impact as “significant,” noting that the force of the collision caused substantial damage to one train car.

Frédéric Petit confirmed that no human injuries were reported among those on board. “The approximately 50 passengers on board were evacuated and could transfer to a bus to continue their journey,” Petit said, emphasizing that passenger safety protocols were promptly enacted.

Service Disruption and Recovery

The collision caused significant disruption in both directions on the line between Halle and Enghien. Trains were locally diverted between Halle and Ath while emergency crews worked at the scene.

One track was reopened by late morning for traffic in both directions, though with considerable delays. The other track remained blocked by the damaged train car, which was scheduled to be towed later in the day for repairs. Full traffic normalization was achieved by early afternoon, according to Infrabel.

7sur7 reported that the afternoon peak hour was expected to proceed normally following the resumption of service.

A Recurring Challenge

Collisions with animals are unfortunately commonplace on Belgium’s busy rail network, Petit explained. “Often it involves domestic or livestock animals, but recently there was also a collision with an alpaca and even a kangaroo,” he noted.

Infrabel conducts regular awareness campaigns targeting livestock farmers, urging them to ensure their pastures are properly fenced to prevent animals from accessing the tracks. “We call on them to carefully check that their pastures are properly fenced. The consequences are always regrettable. For the animal on one hand, and for the passengers on the other,” Petit said.

Broader Context

Friday’s incident occurred on the same day as another disruption on the Belgian rail network: a person was struck by a train between Zaventem and Kortenberg on the Brussels-Leuven line. That incident was also resolved by early afternoon, with traffic resuming shortly afterward.

Analysis: A Persistent Challenge

The collision highlights a recurring issue on Belgium’s extensive rail network. Infrabel has long acknowledged that animal incursions are a persistent challenge, particularly on lines that pass through rural and agricultural areas. The company regularly runs awareness campaigns targeting farmers, urging them to secure fencing around pastures adjacent to railway corridors.

Recent unusual incidents — including collisions with an alpaca and even a kangaroo — underscore the variety of animals that can find their way onto the tracks. While most involve domestic or livestock animals, the consequences can be severe: damage to rolling stock, significant service disruptions, and, as in this case, the loss of the animal.

Looking Ahead

While Friday’s collision caused significant delays for morning commuters on a key route connecting Tournai, Ath, and Brussels, the rapid response by Infrabel crews allowed for full service restoration by early afternoon. The damaged train car remains scheduled for towing and repairs.

The incident raises ongoing questions about whether additional preventive infrastructure — such as improved fencing or animal detection systems — may be needed along vulnerable sections of the Belgian rail network. For now, Infrabel continues to rely on its awareness campaigns and cooperation with livestock farmers to minimize the risk of similar incidents in the future.