Netherlands school cycling trip collision kills three children
On 11 June 2026 a car crashed into a group of primary‑school children riding bicycles near the village of Vogelwaarde in the Dutch province of Zeeland. The convoy consisted of 14 pupils from a school in Axel and two accompanying adults on a field‑trip. The vehicle left the road, struck the cyclists on a cycle‑track and caused the deaths of three people – two children and an adult caretaker – while four other children suffered serious injuries; one of the injured later died in hospital.
Emergency services deployed seven ambulances and three rescue helicopters. The seriously injured were taken to hospitals in Gent, Antwerp and Rotterdam. Police detained a 19‑year‑old man at the scene; investigators said the driver may have lost control while navigating a curve, but the exact cause remains under investigation. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten condemned the tragedy, describing the school outing as “a nightmare”. Psychological support was offered to the remaining participants at the local community centre.
The incident has prompted a police inquiry and a broader discussion on road safety for school groups.