Ontspoorden

Ontspoorden is a Dutch verb that translates to "derail" in English. It describes the event of a train or other railway vehicle moving off its tracks. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including track defects, mechanical failures of the train, excessive speed, or external factors like obstructions on the line or severe weather conditions.

The consequences of ontspoorden can range from minor disruptions and delays to severe accidents involving injuries or fatalities. Recovery efforts typically involve specialized railway equipment to re-rail the affected vehicles and repair any damaged track. The investigation into an instance of ontspoorden is crucial to identify the cause and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

In a figurative sense, ontspoorden can also refer to a situation or plan that has gone wrong or deviated significantly from its intended course. For example, a project might be described as ontspoord if it encounters unforeseen problems and is no longer progressing as planned. This metaphorical use highlights the idea of losing control or direction.