Varde Municipality has begun installing temporary warning signs at unguarded railway crossings along the Vestbanen railway line, following a recent accident where a train collided with a tractor and trailer. The signs are being erected at crossings without barriers between Varde Station and Nørre Nebel Station.

A total of 16 signs are being placed at eight crossings. The yellow signs feature the words “Give agt!” (Beware!) and a picture of a train inside a red warning triangle, designed to increase awareness for road users approaching the railway.

Hans Peter Due, acting director of Planning and Technology in Varde Municipality, stated that the accident near Henne Stationsby highlighted the dangers of unguarded crossings, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure public safety. While the municipality cannot erect barriers, it aims to improve signage to clearly indicate approaching railway crossings.

The municipality is in ongoing discussions with Banedanmark, Vestbanen, and other relevant authorities to identify further safety enhancements. However, many of these initiatives require more time to implement.

The collision occurred at Over Fiddevej and Hennevej outside Henne Stationsby. The railway crossing had signals but lacked barriers. Fortunately, none of the occupants of the train, which included three passengers and the driver, nor the tractor driver, sustained serious injuries.

Several accidents at barrier-free railway crossings have occurred in recent months. A train derailed in Bjerndrup, Southern Jutland, on August 15th, after colliding with a slurry tanker, resulting in one fatality and multiple serious injuries. On July 5th, another serious accident occurred near Kliplev, where a van collided with a train at a railway crossing where the warning system had been stolen.