car hit by a TER, a drunk driver

An unusual accident caused major disruption Thursday evening in theOise. A car abandoned on a level crossing was hit by a TER near Saint-Just-en-Chausséeleading to interruptions of rail traffic. The investigation revealed that the driver responsible for the incident was intoxicated at the time of the incident.

A spectacular collision on a level crossing

When a TER hit a car parked on the rails at 8:45 p.m., the authorities were immediately alerted. Despite the violence of the impact, no casualties were reported, the car was already empty when help arrived. An impressive accident which could have had serious consequencesbut which was fortunately limited to material damage.

The incident disrupted rail traffic for several hours. All train passengers were evacuated and taken care of by coaches provided, while others were welcomed at the Gannes village hall. An emergency organization which made it possible to avoid chaos for users.

The fleeing driver quickly surrenders

It didn’t take long for the man involved in the accident to be found. According to Frédéric Trinh, public prosecutor of Beauvais, the driver was arrested by the police shortly after the tragedy and immediately placed in police custody. An escape which therefore only offered him a short-term respite.

According to initial findings, stopping the car on the rails would be accidental et unintentional. However, the facts do not stop there: the driver will be prosecuted for drunk driving et hit and run.

SNCF demands financial compensation

In a context where transport safety is a priority, this event also has financial repercussions. There SNCFaffected by this incident, announced that it wanted to form civil party. The company is seeking compensation to cover the operating loss as well as the costs linked to the material damage caused to the train involved.

A reminder to be careful about the dangers of level crossings

This incident once again illustrates the risks associated with level crossings, particularly sensitive areas of the rail network. When they are misused or obstructed, as in this case, the consequences can be dramatic, both from a human and material point of view. This type of event reminds us of the need to scrupulously respect safety rules.