2023-11-07 13:27:00
In one year, two tragedies at the Ganshoren level crossings. The last two in the Brussels Region. In August, a 17-year-old boy was struck down by a train on Vanderveken Street. A year before, another fatal accident a few meters away, rue Nestor Martin. In the northwest commune, the excitement was strong. Last month, a delegation of young people called on the municipal council to express their anger and sadness following the death of Ousmane and Saad: “two lives lost, two young minds broke, in the space of a year”.
At the beginning of November, Infrabel announces that it is providing a solution for greater security. The “Warning Box” system has just been installed on rue Vanderveken. The device, which is in addition to the usual barriers and sound warnings, emits a powerful message when someone crosses the line at a red light. “Please stay behind the barrier.”
The system has already been tested in Wallonia. With, according to Infrabel, a reduction in offenses of more than 50%. The alarm will remain in place for one month. “We found that there was a drop in the effectiveness of the device following one month. There is a phenomenon of trivialization of the alarm which is taking hold.” In a month, the “warning box” will be placed on rue Nestor Martin.
Deletion too slow according to the municipality
On the side of the municipal authorities, we applaud. “I am satisfied that things are moving in the right direction,” notes Mayor Jean-Paul Van Laethem (Les Engagés), who announces an upcoming strengthening of signage. Intrusions on the tracks are still very frequent. Rue Vanderveken, 25 offenses were noted in one week thanks to surveillance cameras.
Drama in Ganshoren: no removal of the last two level crossings in Brussels “in the short or medium term”, to the chagrin of the municipalities, “there is an emergency”
Despite the arrival of the new system, the commune of the goose firmly reiterates its desire for a “pure and simple elimination” of these passages. “We want to delete the two passages. For the moment, we are busy with administrative tasks,” assures the Infrabel spokesperson. A delay of “several years” is mentioned.
Too long a delay according to the Ganshore mayor. “I remind you that there were two deaths in one year. This is unacceptable. We cannot afford to wait a year or two when we see the stakes.”
Why then not close off the street, like at Berchem station, which can be done quite quickly? “Technically impossible”, for Van Laethem. “There is a need for this access for sports infrastructure, the cemetery and walking areas.”
After two tragedies, young people demand the removal of the last level crossings in Ganshoren: “two lives lost, two young minds broke”
Other news: this Tuesday also the footbridge located right next to the railway on rue Vanderveken was inaugurated. “A credible alternative”, in the eyes of the town, which invites passers-by to take this new bridge to cross the railway.
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