One killed, 27 hurt as train derails in Belgium

A photo said to be of the derailed train uploaded to social media PHOTO: TWITTER

BRUSSELS (REUTERS) - One person was killed and about 27 injured, three seriously, on Saturday (Feb 18) when a carriage toppled onto its side in a train derailment in Belgium, rescue workers said.

Rail operator SNCB said the passenger train bound for Brussels jumped the tracks shortly after leaving the city of Leuven, 25km east of the capital at about 1.20pm (8.20pm Singapore time).

One carriage came to rest on its side part way down a small slope. Rescue services said the person killed was found crushed underneath and did not appear to have been on the train.

Services between Leuven and Brussels were suspended, including some trains heading to the airport. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel attended the scene.

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