Negligence alleged in crash that killed 3 kids, school principal biking in Zeeland
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has formally charged a 19-year-old man from the municipality of Hulst with causing a fatal road traffic incident through negligence, under Article 6 of the Dutch Road Traffic Act, after a collision with a group of primary school pupils resulted in the deaths of three children and the school principal.
The crash occurred on the N290 road between Vogelwaarde and Terhole, when a car driven by the suspect collided with a group of 14 primary school pupils and two accompanying staff members from De Warande primary school in Axel, who were on a school excursion. In addition to the three deaths, Multiple other children sustained injuries.
Following his hearing before the investigating judge, it was confirmed that the man is formally charged in connection with the fatal crash. The charge implies a high level of negligence, including allegations of recklessness or extremely careless behaviour in traffic.
A conviction on a count of negligent driving that causes the death of another carries a maximum prison sentence of six years. That can climb to nine years if the driver is also found guilty under aggravating circumstances, like excessive speeding, or driving under the influence.
The examining magistrate has decided that the evidence and strong grounds for suspicion are sufficient to justify extending the suspect’s pre-trial detention by 14 days. The OM had previously confirmed that the 19-year-old suspect was the driver of the vehicle that hit the group of schoolchildren.
“In connection with the investigation and the privacy of those involved, no further information is being provided at this time about the status of the investigation,” the OM said on Tuesday.
In the town of Axel, where De Warande primary school is located, residents say an almost deafening silence has fallen. Many describe the community as being in a state of collective shock.
Hundreds of people took part in a silent march through Axel on Monday to honour the memory of the three children, Damian, Sarah, and Olivia, as well as their school principal, Joyce van Driel, who were all killed in the tragedy.
