Driver suspected of alcohol, drug use in multi-vehicle crash near German border
A 53-year-old man from Didam is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he caused a major accident on the A12 near Duiven late Friday evening. Four people were injured in the crash, which involved three vehicles and forced a full closure of the highway in both directions, according to NOS.
At 10:10 p.m., police received multiple emergency calls about a wrong-way driver traveling on the A12 between Arnhem and the German border. Moments later, a serious collision was reported near Duiven. The suspected wrong-way driver, now hospitalized, is under investigation for intoxicated driving after an initial test indicated the presence of both alcohol and drugs, according to the Oost Nederland police. Authorities said he will be questioned when his medical condition allows. It remains unclear whether he has been formally arrested.
Three vehicles were involved in the crash, with a total of seven occupants. One of the cars ended up in a roadside ditch and was occupied by a 38-year-old driver from Amersfoort and his family, including three children. Emergency services responded in force, dispatching six ambulances and a trauma helicopter to the crash site.
NOS correspondent on the scene reported that the mother and one of the children sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital with undisclosed conditions. The driver of the third vehicle, a 38-year-old German national, also suffered injuries and was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
In addition to the main crash near Duiven, a second incident may have occurred at the German border. A separate NOS correspondent reported that the same vehicle possibly caused another collision. Details of this second incident remain unclear, and authorities have not confirmed whether the Didam man was involved. German authorities are participating in that part of the investigation. Police in Oost Nederland told NOS on Saturday morning they could not yet confirm whether the incident at the border was connected to the wrong-way driver.
Unverified videos reportedly circulating online appear to show the suspected driver shortly before the crash. These images have not yet been authenticated.
The crash led to a complete closure of the A12 toward Germany from Arnhem. The opposite direction, heading toward Arnhem, was also partially closed for a period.
