78-year-old woman on mobility scooter dies after being struck by car in Pelt, Belgium
A 78-year-old woman crossing Peerderbaan on her electric scooter with her husband was hit by a BMW on Saturday evening, resulting in her death and the immediate suspension of the driver's licence.
The collision
On Saturday 11 July 2026, around 19:30, a 78-year-old woman on an electric mobility scooter was struck by a BMW on Peerderbaan in Pelt (Neerpelt), Limburg. She was crossing the road accompanied by her husband, who was also riding a mobility scooter. A 22-year-old driver heading towards Sint-Huibrechts-Lille was unable to avoid her. The woman died at the scene. Her husband was treated for shock and taken to hospital.
Emergency response
Firefighters of the Noord-Limburg zone were called shortly after 23:00 to place a tent over the scene, shielding the body while the investigation began. Local police conducted initial observations and closed Peerderbaan to traffic. The driver, who was also in shock, remained at the scene.
Investigation and witness account
The Limburg prosecutor's office appointed a traffic accident expert to examine the circumstances. Press magistrate Pieter Strauven confirmed that a witness had seen the crash from nearby and is providing a statement.
Both the breath test and the saliva test of the driver were negative. There is also a witness who saw the accident happen. That statement and the findings of the traffic expert are part of the investigation.
A second witness, described by Le Soir as someone who could observe the events clearly, was also interviewed by police.
- A 78-year-old woman on an electric mobility scooter is struck by a BMW while crossing Peerderbaan in Pelt.
- Fire brigade places a tent on the scene so police can begin investigating.
- The 22-year-old driver's licence is suspended for two weeks at the request of the Limburg prosecutor's office.
- A traffic accident expert is sent to the scene and police interview a witness who saw the crash.
Legal steps against the driver
At the request of the Limburg prosecutor's office, the 22-year-old driver's licence was suspended immediately for two weeks, in line with standard procedure. Both an alcohol breath test and a saliva drug test administered at the scene returned negative results. The driver was described as very shocked after the impact.
Aftermath
The victim has not been publicly named. Le Soir reported she was a resident of Pelt, while De Standaard stated she was from Herent. The investigation is continuing, with the traffic expert and witness statements expected to clarify whether any traffic violation or infrastructure issue contributed to the fatal crash. The Peerderbaan was reopened once on-site work finished.
