Hooghalen train crash
On 22 May 2020, a Sprinter service by the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) running from Zwolle to Groningen, collided with a tractor trying to cross the tracks at a passive railway crossing near Hooghalen on the Meppel–Groningen railway. The train driver was killed instantly, while three people were injured. The driver of the tractor escaped without injuries. According to a subsequent investigation by ProRail, the two drivers did not see each other until a few seconds before the collision. Lack of visibility in poor weather was the main cause of the accident.
| Hooghalen train crash | |
|---|---|
Front of the train after the collision | |
Location of Hooghalen, Drenthe | |
| Details | |
| Date | 22 May 2020 16:02 CEST (14:02 UTC) |
| Location | Near Hooghalen, Drenthe |
| Coordinates | 52.8973°N 6.5366°E |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Line | Meppel–Groningen railway |
| Operator | Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) |
| Incident type | Collision |
| Cause | Line obstructed by vehicle |
| Statistics | |
| Passengers | 52 |
| Deaths | 1 |
| Injured | 3 |
The crossing where the accident occurred was closed permanently shortly after. The accident led to the fronts of the new Sprinter New Generation trains of NS being re-painted from dark blue to a brighter yellow to increase the visibility of the trains. Additional safety measures were taken at 28 passive railway crossings. The driver of the tractor was put on trial with community service being demanded, but the court did not find him negligent.