Four dead including three children after car hits school cycling trip in Netherlands

The accident

On Thursday 11 June, around 12:30, a car driving on a federal road near Vogelwaarde in the Dutch province of Zeeland skidded off course and hit a group of 14 children and two supervisors. The group from a primary school in Axel was on a cycling school trip. The vehicle drove into the bike path at a curve, colliding with the cyclists, and ended up heavily damaged in a ditch.

Casualties and rescue

Four people died: three children and one adult supervisor. Several other children were seriously injured. Rescue services deployed seven ambulances and three rescue helicopters. Injured victims were taken to hospitals in Ghent, Antwerp, and Rotterdam; some of the injured children are being treated in Belgium. The local community centre in Vogelwaarde opened to provide psychological support for the other trip participants.

Investigation and suspect

A 19-year-old man from the nearby municipality of Hulst was arrested at the scene. Police have not confirmed whether he was the driver. The car was seized for forensic examination, and specialists are reconstructing the accident circumstances. Police spokesperson Mariska Bezemer described the event as "a very sad and severe incident" and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Reactions

Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed shock on social media:

“The terrible news from Zeeland overshadows everything today. What should have been a highlight for primary school children — the school trip — has ended in a nightmare.”

Education Minister Rianna Letschert called the accident "a terrible drama," according to the Telegraaf.