Drunk driver crashes into group of Hague revellers

Two people were taken to the hospital after an out of control car crashed into a group of celebrants enjoying New Year’s festivities in Den Haag. The 25-year-old driver was arrested after a brethalyzer test showed he was more than six times over the legal alcohol limit, police said.

Both victims were seriously injured.

The incident happened at 12:06 a.m., just a few minutes after New Year’s Day started. It happened on the Neherkade, just east of the city center.

“The driver approached at high speed and struck the median where people were setting off fireworks,” a witness told Omroep West. At first the driver tried to flee the scene, but he later returned, the witness added.

“He tried to avoid the people, but it did not work,” a police spokesman told the broadcaster.

The beginner driver was subjected to stricter rules that permit only 88 micrograms of alcohol per liter (UGL). The suspect’s alcohol level was 560 UGL, which is still 2.5 times higher than the legal limit for a driver with five years of experience.

His license was taken away on the spot, police said.