Camper Van Hits Canal Bridge Barrier in Humbeek, Halting Bridge and Shipping Traffic

A collision involving a camper van and a canal bridge barrier in Humbeek, Belgium, brought both road and shipping traffic to a standstill on July 5, 2026. The incident occurred around midday when a queue of vehicles had formed on the bridge.

According to Mayor Bart Laeremans, the bridge barriers were lowered to allow a boat to pass. However, the bridge had not yet been fully cleared of traffic. The lowering barrier struck the side window of a camper van, immobilizing it and preventing further movement. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

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It was around the midday when a traffic jam had formed on the bridge. At that moment, the barriers closed due to an approaching boat, while the bridge was not yet cleared. A barrier ended up in the side window of a camper van, making it unable to move forward or backward. Fortunately, no one was injured.

The timely reporting of the incident prevented the bridge from opening, and shipping traffic on the canal was consequently halted. Workers from De Vlaamse Waterweg were dispatched to dismantle and reinstall the damaged barrier, with insurance companies expected to handle the claims.

This incident marks the second disruption in the area over the weekend, coinciding with the annual Kanaalfeesten (Canal Festivities). On the preceding Friday night, a truck reportedly collided with a fairground ride, causing it to shift significantly and sustain severe damage. The driver involved in that incident fled the scene, despite the area being designated a traffic-free zone.

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Workers from De Vlaamse Waterweg came to the site to dismantle and reinstall the barrier. The insurance companies will handle this incident further.