Belgium's railways are suing the families of suicide victims to recover the cost of repairing damaged trains, it was revealed today.

National railway SNCB has already clawed back 621,000 euros in the last three years by invoicing bereaved relatives for both damage to rolling stock and train delays.

This is just a third of the 2million euro total cost of the 242 railway deaths registered between 2013 and July 2015, said Belgium's transport minister.

Belgium's national railway has received 621,000 euros in the last three years by invoicing bereaved relatives of suicide. File image used

Of these, 225 deaths were suicides; the others were accidents. Railways are in theory entitled to seek much higher amounts from suicide victims, said minister Francois Bellot.

The SNCB could sue for compensation for the emotional stress suffered by train drivers, he told parliament.

Shortly after the suicides, the railway operator sends a 'very respectful' letter to bereaved relatives asking if the family has insurance and if an executor has been appointed to dispose of the deceased's assets.

Efforts are made to ensure that the claims are handled by third parties and that the deceased's family do not see the actual bill.

'Fatal accidents on the railways have a significant impact on SNCB operations and cost a lot,' minister Bellot said in response to a parliamentary question.

'People must take into account the consequences of their behaviour.'