Zeeland school cycling crash kills director and three children

On the N290 near Terhole in Zeeland, a 19‑year‑old driver from Hulst struck a group of fourteen group‑8 pupils from primary school De Warande who were biking to a school camp. The collision killed the school’s director and three twelve‑year‑old students; three other children were injured and hospitalized. The driver was arrested at the scene.

In the aftermath, the community organized a silent walk on Sunday evening, beginning in Axel and ending at De Warande, with participants asked to wear white and bring a hug for the deceased children. Candles were lit in the local church and a crowdfunding campaign raised about €124,000 to support the families, cover funeral costs and aid the school.

Authorities temporarily reduced the speed limit on the crash‑site road from 80 km/h to 50 km/h, and Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed condolences during a press conference.