Update: another driver also died after a major accident and major fire in Wijtschate

The driver of the van did not survive the impact and died at the scene. The driver of the truck suffered severe burns and was taken to hospital in critical condition. It concerns a 46-year-old man from Komen. He later died in hospital.

Westhoek fire brigade was called this morning at 8.30 am for a vehicle fire in the Rijselstraat in Wijtschate, a sub-municipality of Heuvelland. When they arrived on the scene, a truck, a van, but also a parked car and three houses were ablaze.

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It is still unclear exactly how the accident happened. The public prosecutor of West Flanders has appointed an expert to investigate the circumstances. It is possible that the driver of the van drove very fast and crossed the intersection Komenstraat – Rijselstraat without stopping.

Reception of local residents

In the meantime, 12 people are taken care of in youth hostel Peace Village in the neighboring municipality of Mesen. They receive support from Victim Support. The municipality of Heuvelland will provide emergency housing, because two affected houses are completely burnt out, two others suffered heavy damage. The Rijselstraat will probably be closed to all traffic for the rest of the day.

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