Sint-Gillis-Waas/De KlingeA 28-year-old cyclist from De Klinge, who is also a member of the Ladies Cycling Team Hoz from Beveren, was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition on Saturday afternoon after a traffic accident on Reinakkerweg in Sint-Gillis-Waas. The woman was crossing the road with her racing bike when she was grabbed and run over by a truck driver.
Bert Foubert, Kristof Pieters
16 Apr. 2022
Latest update:
16-04-22, 20:32
The accident happened around 1.30 pm near the roundabout on Kluizendijkstraat. A 28-year-old woman who probably came from the direction of De Klinge crossed the road at Reinakkerweg in the direction of Sint-Gillis-Waas. There she was hit by a truck entering the parallel lane of the E34. The victim ended up with her legs under the truck and was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition. She is currently undergoing surgery there.
The exact circumstances of the accident are still unclear. The victim was on the road alone at the time of the accident. Cyclists must give way to car traffic at the roundabout. A traffic expert from the East Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office will be on site for further investigation.
Reinakkerweg was closed in both directions. The roundabout was partially closed.
Quote
I hope and keep my fingers crossed for a good outcome
Mayor Maaike De Rudder (CD&V) of Sint-Gillis-Waas, herself a cycling enthusiast, is deeply impressed by the accident. “The girl lives in De Klinge just like me, and we are the same age,” the mayor is excited. “We have had contact with each other in the past. She is not only the point of contact for the neighborhood in which she lives, but we also share the same passion for racing bicycles. We had agreed through a few messages to go cycling together, but that hadn’t happened yet. This accident affects me greatly. Not only as mayor, but also as a young woman. All my thoughts now go out to the girl and her family. I hope and keep my fingers crossed for a good outcome.”
The cyclist is part of the Ladies Cycling Team Hoz from Beveren. There, too, there are reports of their rider’s accident. “She joined our club this season,” says manager Gaston Pieters. “We were in full preparation for her first competition on May 1. She was very driven and we were looking forward to it together. After that, we wanted to prepare her for the elite riders. Everyone sympathizes with her very much.”
Quote
We were in full preparation for her first game on May 1
The victim suffered serious injuries to her legs. Her foot had to be amputated as a result of the collision. As a result, the chance that she will be able to cycle again has become very small.
Almost simultaneously with the accident of the cyclist on Reinakkerweg, a second cyclist was also hit on Heerweg in Sint-Pauwels. The victim, a woman of about 25 years old, ended up under a tractor. She was also taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss a thing from the stars.