Two people were still in intensive care as Flanders Today went to press due to the accident.

A 550-metre area surrounding Wetteren, Serskamp and Schellebelle was evacuated, and people living within a one-kilometre radius were advised to keep doors and windows closed. More homes were later evacuated when it was reported that toxic substances had been washed by fire service hoses into the sewers, from where the vapours could enter houses.

The derailment took place in the early hours of Saturday morning, and the first images show a firestorm against the night sky. The cause of the accident has yet to be determined. “Something went wrong with one of the points,” said Infrabel spokesman Frederic Petit, “but exactly what it was will have to be investigated.

Petit also said that there was “clear evidence” that the Dutch driver of the German goods train had not commited any error.

The train was on its way from the Netherlands to the port of Ghent. Investigators have recovered the train’s “black box”, which they hope will help determine the cause of the accident.

Toxic compound

The train was carrying tanks of acrylonitrile, a highly flammable and toxic compound used in the manufacture of plastics, and butadiene, a carcinogenic chemical used to make synthetic rubber. The wagons containing acrylonitrile caught fire, but those containing butadiene did not.

Acrylonitrile gives off hydrogen cyanide fumes when it combusts. Emergency services were alert for leaks which could allow the butadiene gas to escape. The gas causes irritation to the respiratory passages if breathed in.

The fire service from Beveren allowed the chemicals in the tanks to burn off in a controlled fire, so that further vapours would not be created. The last of the fire was extinguished around 18.00 on Saturday, but fire fighters continued to apply layers of foam to speed up cooling of the metal tanks.

Meanwhile, police closed off the centre of Wetteren, and the civil protection service installed a high-pressure water line from the Scheldt through the centre of town to the site of the accident. Provincial governor Jan Briers put the provincial action plan into operation.

Sewer contamination

Despite precautions, some of the toxic material contaminated the surrounding area. Initial readings for the presence of chemicals were attributed to hose water having washed some contaminants into the sewers. The water pumping station was closed down and the sewer lines thoroughly sluiced out.

Further readings on the surface showed that the contamination was coming from another source than the sewers. Measurements later showed lower readings, but the full extent of the contamination is still under investigation.

Flemish minister-president Kris Peeters issued a statement praising the emergency services. “My thoughts also go out to all those who live in the area who were evacuated and are now safe with friends and family or in temporary shelter,” he said.

The last of the evacuees were allowed to go home on Monday, more than 48 hours after the accident. “We prefer not to take any risks,” said Briers. “Everyone has to be personally accompanied back to their home, and there have to be new readings taken inside the houses,” he said.

Briers also warned that further evacuations could take place on Wednesday or Thursday this week when the train wreck is removed from the scene. “We’ll take account of people living nearby and carry it out when most people are not at home, between 9.00 and 17.00.”

A second autopsy is being carried out on the man who died, who has not yet been named. He was found in his home with his dog, which had also died. The first autopsy confirmed he had inhaled a toxic substance.

Finally, Flemish environment minister Joke Schauvliege held a meeting on Monday of the government’s range of environmental services for an initial evaluation of the situation in Wetteren. The meeting includes the crisis manager, experts from the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM), the public waste materials agency OVAM and the water purification agency Aquafin.

“Our services were placed this weekend at the disposal of the interior ministry, which is ultimately responsible,” Schauvliege said. “We will be discussing the consequences for people and for biodiversity, though I am not expecting an immediate answer to any questions that may arise.”

NMBS railway services will continue to be disrupted at least until the weekend, particularly for stop trains travelling between Ghent and Dendermonde and between Brussels and Ghent. Passengers can check www.railtime.be or call a special number designated for questions: 02 528 28 28.

An information number has also been set up for residents of the area affected by the crash: 052 432 443.

Damaged points system

David Geerts, chairman of the special committee on rail safety, called on Infrabel to report on its conclusions on the causes of the accident as soon as possible. Allegations have emerged that a damaged points system, or junction where trains switch tracks, had been repeatedly reported to the company without action being taken.

“Among other things, I want to know if there have been problems with the points in the past and at what speed the train was travelling,” said Geerts. “Were all safety precautions being respected in this transport?” He also called for a report on safety precautions taken for rail workers who were sent to the scene of the accident.