The two children who died in the horrific accident in Vogelwaarde on Thursday afternoon were students at De Warande primary school in the Zeeland village of Axel. The deceased adult is an employee of the school.
This is confirmed by Sjoerd Sanderse, chairman of the Elevantio school umbrella organization, which includes De Warande. He is audibly shaken. “There are no words for this. Children dying is always dramatic. But then again on the way to school campwhich should be one big party. This is one big drama.”
De Warande primary school is a Protestant Christian school on the outskirts of Axel. It is a popular school, says Sanderse. “This is really a school where parents bring their children with confidence. A school that has been around for a long time, with a very close team and very involved parents. We notice that immediately. From the lowest classes to the highest: everyone is completely upset.”
Also because of the deceased adult, who has been working at De Warande for a long time. “A very beloved and extremely valued employee. I can say all the clichés. Just someone we don’t want to miss. The mood here is deeply sad.”
The Elevantio board went to the school immediately after the accident. “We can do nothing but hope for the children who are in bad shape. Some people pray. We are sitting here with all former employees, they came immediately. Everyone sympathizes very much with all the relatives.”
Sanderse will remain at the school on Thursday evening, for those who need support. “And we will be there tomorrow too. The school will be open, but only to receive people. We just follow our hearts. We talk, we listen. We do what we can.”