Thalys train traffic, between Brussels-South and Paris-Nord, will gradually return to normal on Saturday, after Friday’s interruption due to a collision with an animal near Tournai. A spokesperson for the railway company said:
However, the trains still have delays of between 5 and 30 minutes. “These delays are due to the fact that we are doubling some trains – when possible at a logistical level – to add capacity,” the spokesperson said. “That requires a bit more organization on our part, but it is a choice to be able to transport a maximum of customers.”
On Saturday morning, many people were still in the station, but the situation is gradually normalizing. “We are working to restore the normal situation. There are still delays, but things are moving in the right direction.”
A Thalys train from Brussels to Paris-Nord was blocked near Tournai on Friday afternoon due to a technical problem after a collision with an animal. Because the accident took place close to an important rail junction, the evacuation of passengers was difficult and train traffic could not resume until around 9.30 pm. Due to the incident, six trains from Brussels South and six from Paris were cancelled.
Night at hotel
The transport company promised travelers who had to spend the night in a hotel by paying back the canceled trains, but also made trains available for people who could not find accommodation and could not go home. Between 700 and 800 people in Brussels-South chose the latter option.
In recent weeks, Thalys trains have had to deal with various incidents, especially now that European air traffic is also experiencing major disruption due to staff shortages and strikes.
Also watch: “Thalys does not know how long the problems will last”
See also: Problems again on Thalys towards Paris
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss out on any of the stars.