There were eight people in the vehicle. Two of them suffered serious injuries, with one victim in life-threatening condition. The injured have been transferred to hospitals in Ostend and Veurne.
Near where the vehicle initially tried to escape control, police found nine other transmigrants. A traffic expert has been appointed. Initial findings indicate that the accident was due to a steering error.
Carl Decaluwé, provincial governor: “It is not a deterrent. But on the other hand, if we do nothing, I guarantee you that we will have tent camps, à la Calais, with thousands of people. And we absolutely do not want that. It is the absolute top priority to say, no tent camps in West Flanders. Two, try to prevent them as much as possible from entering the sea.”
The facts come at a time when police forces on the coast are extra vigilant due to an increase in attempts to reach the United Kingdom via the coast. In this context, material was also found in Blankenberge that could possibly be used for a crossing. It is not yet clear whether there is a direct connection with the accident in Middelkerke.
