One dead, one critical after car hits tree and bursts into flames near Ermelo
A car slammed into a tree at high speed and immediately burst into flames between Ermelo and Elspeet Friday night, killing one person and leaving another critically injured. The crash occurred shortly before 9 p.m. on the Uddelermeerweg.
Police said the car left the road for unknown reasons and struck a tree with significant force before catching fire. De Gelderlander reported that officers at the scene said one of the victims was “thrown from the car and was lying on the road with severe burn injuries.” Emergency crews stabilized the victim and transported the person by ambulance to a hospital.
The second occupant died at the scene. Responders said the burning vehicle initially made it impossible to safely reach the rear of the car, and they could not determine how many people were inside until the fire was extinguished. The car was completely burned out.
Firefighters, police, several ambulances, and the Mobiel Medisch Team responded. Fog prevented the trauma helicopter from taking off.
Omroep Gelderland reported that the driver “hit a tree at high speed and the car immediately caught fire.” The injured driver “was found next to the vehicle with multiple burn injuries.”
The Uddelermeerweg was temporarily closed for emergency operations and police investigation.
