The driver of the fatal accident in Roeselare is free under strict conditions

Initial findings show that the accident was probably the result of inappropriate speed. The driver was also under the influence of alcohol and there are also indications of cannabis use. This is reported by the public prosecutor of West Flanders. The young man is not going to prison at the moment, the investigating judge ruled, but can be released under very strict conditions. The conditions imposed on the young man should prevent him from committing such acts again, and are related to the use of alcohol and narcotics. He will later have to answer to the police court. His driver’s license was immediately revoked.

The facts

The Batjesweekend in Roeselare traditionally starts with the barrel of Rodenbach, and immediately attracts a lot of people to the city center. But the accident casts a black shadow over a festive weekend. Just after midnight, a young woman rode her bicycle towards the roundabout at the former swimming pool. According to eyewitnesses, a car drove at high speed towards the roundabout. The driver lost control of the steering wheel, collided with two center conductors and crashed into an electrical box. Just before he came to a stop, he hit the young woman on the bicycle. Emergency services were unable to save her. She died on the spot. The Meensesteenweg remained closed to all traffic for several hours.

“The city lives with you”

Mayor Kris Declercq himself is very impressed by the facts.

“The whole city is not happy about what has happened. We sympathize very strongly with the family. I have been in contact and they wish that everything can go serene and calm during these fair days.

Safety measures have been taken at that roundabout point. You can fine as many speed demons or alcohol offenders as you want. If someone is so enthusiastic about that roundabout, you are actually powerless yourself if we had talks with Roads and Traffic last week to improve the infrastructure in the future.”