Dutch national railway NS is test launching its new Intercity train on the high-speed route between Amsterdam Central Station and Rotterdam Central Station on Wednesday. The rail company called it a dress rehearsal for the Intercity New Generation (ICNG), describing it as the “train of the future.” The trains have a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour, which is only achievable on the High-Speed Line which has the capability of connecting Schiphol, Rotterdam, Breda and the Belgian border. On the main rail network, the ICNG trains will run at a maximum speed of 160 km/h.
“A terrible accident in Voorschoten,” Prime Minister Mark Rutte tweeted about a train that derailed after colliding with a construction crane on Tuesday morning. At least one person died, and 30 got hurt, including the train driver. ProRail CEO John Voppen spoke of “a black day for the Dutch railway.” Both the Prime Minister and the ProRail CEO expressed support for the victims and their loved ones. “We will, of course, investigate what happened,” Voppen said.
A resident casts her vote at Rotterdam Central Station for the municipal elections in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on March 16, 2022. Over 9,000 polling stations all over the Netherlands are open on the day for the third and final day of voting in the local elections, Dutch News reported.