Teen driver remains in custody after Zeeland crash that killed three children, one adult
The 19-year-old driver from Hulst who was arrested following a fatal road accident in Vogelwaarde, Zeeland, will remain in detention for the time being, according to the Public Prosecution Service (OM) Zeeland-West-Brabant. Four people died in the crash on Thursday afternoon, including an adult supervisor and three children.
Police have formally confirmed that the 19-year-old suspect was driving the car that struck the group of cyclists. Police are carrying out a detailed technical investigation into the circumstances of the crash on the N290, including checks on the vehicle’s speed, possible alcohol or drug use, and whether the driver may have been distracted at the time.
The suspect is currently in restricted custody. Early next week, the OM will decide whether he will be presented to the investigating judge and on what specific charges this will be based.
Two children and an adult were killed at the scene, while a third child later died in hospital as a result of their injuries. Three other children are still in the hospital with serious injuries.
The victims were among a group of 14 children and two supervisors from a primary school in Axel, Zeeland. They were on a cycling trip as part of a school camp when the crash occurred.
The sense of grief within the school organisation deepened further when it emerged that the adult supervisor who died was the principal of primary school De Warande.
A temporary memorial has been created near the bend on the N290 where the tragedy took place, with residents and relatives continuously placing flowers, cuddly toys, and candles.
