95 suicides on Belgium's rails in 2013

Belgium’s rail network manager, Infrabel, along with SNCB/NMBS, says it will focus efforts in preventing suicides along Belgium’s rail lines. The announcement comes as a response to the 95 suicides committed and 69 attempted suicides along the rails in 2013. Infrabel has decided to dedicate two million euros to making train stations and high-risk areas along the tracks more secure. A report detailing the high number of deaths revels that suicide attempts occurred almost every other day, a reality that officials want to see changed.

As part of the prevention measures along the lines, Infrabel’s major anti-suicide action plan will include installing thermal cameras that will enable people to be detected by approaching trains, as well as up to 14 kilometers of fencing along especially high-risk areas. In addition to increased infrastructure, the plan also includes the launch of a prevention campaign.