CCTV footage has captured the terrifying moment a high-speed passenger train plowed into a cargo truck carrying thousands of pears in the Netherlands.
In the video, the truck driver can be seen driving over the level crossing at around 11 a.m. October 30.
After making it to the end of the crossing, the driver bizarrely decides to reverse back onto the tracks, becoming trapped by cars on either side.
The gates then begin to come down on the sides of the truck as it desperately attempts to move out of the way.
Multiple queuing cars can be seen reversing away from the sight as they brace for impact.
The racing train then smashes into the truck, sending debris and thousands of pears flying.
According to local safety authorities, five people sustained minor injuries, including train passengers and the truck driver.
“Services removed approximately 400 passengers from the trains and transported them to stations to which they were headed,” they said.
Footage of the crash was released by Dutch transport agency ProRail, who hope to “raise awareness and improve behavior at level crossings.”
A spokesperson for ProRail said it was “shocking to watch and shows how quickly things can go wrong at railway crossings.”
“It’s better to damage a barrier than risk a life. If you’re stuck between the barriers: keep driving,” they said.
As of November 1, ProRail revealed that the repair work is now in full swing since the trains have been towed away.
“A clearer picture has emerged of the exact extent of the damage … repairs will take longer than previously anticipated,” they said.
