A cycling outing near Axel turned into a deadly crash, shocking the small school community. Investigators have arrested a 19-year-old and probe details remain limited.
In the Netherlands, a car struck a group of cyclists who were taking part in a school trip; three children and a teacher were killed.
“The accident during the school camp claimed a fourth life, the school is in mourning and in a state of shock. After the fatal road traffic incident another child died. Thus the number of victims rose to four – three students and one elementary school teacher. Another three children sustained serious injuries. The group was riding bicycles to the site of the school camp when a car crashed into them.”
– NOS
Investigation and reaction
The tragedy was a severe blow to the students, the school staff, and the leadership of the elementary school in the town of Axel. The school has about 200 students. The cycling trip was part of the school camp program.
More and more people gathered near the school; they are bringing flowers in memory of those who died and those who were injured.
According to NOS, a 19-year-old man was detained; police have not yet said whether he is the driver.
According to initial reports, the driver failed to control the vehicle on a turn when he crashed into the group of schoolchildren.
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, described the tragic event as a nightmare that overshadowed the end of the school camp. “My thoughts are with the families of those who died, all those injured, and everyone involved in this tragedy. The terrible news from the province of Zeeland today overshadowed everything else,” he said.
Details of the investigation and official statements continue to emerge; information comes from NOS and other official sources.
The tragic event leaves the town of Axel in mourning and underscores the importance of safety during school trips.