A tragic car accident occurred early Friday, March 21, 2025, around 2:30 AM, on the N41 at the Duivenhoek intersection in Elversele, Belgium. The incident involved a frontal collision between a Mercedes Vito van and a BMW 1-series car, resulting in the deaths of four people from the same family.
The collision happened at the start of a tunnel where eyewitnesses reported that the Mercedes may have attempted an illegal overtaking maneuver. This led to a catastrophic crash, with the BMW sustaining the brunt of the impact. It has been confirmed that all victims were part of a Syrian family from Sint-Niklaas.
The deceased were identified as a 24-year-old mother and her two young children, aged 1 and 5, alongside her 26-year-old sister. Tragically, the mother died instantly from the crash, while her children and sister were resuscitated at the scene but could not be saved, leading to a profound loss felt throughout the community.
According to Lisa De Wilde, a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office, the driver of the Mercedes Vito, a 25-year-old man from Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht, was critically injured and transported to UZ Gent hospital. Given that he was unable to provide a breath sample, a blood sample was taken to test for alcohol or drugs, as part of the ongoing investigation.
Mayor Hugo Maes expressed his condolences, stating the horror of the situation. He remarked, “The deceased are two sisters and two children of one of the sisters.” In an emotional response, he added, “It’s terrible.” The aftermath saw several family members of the victims arrive at the scene shortly after the incident, highlighting the tragic personal toll.
Authorities indicated that a traffic expert has been assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, but specific details concerning the exact events leading to the collision remain undisclosed as inquiries continue. The speed limit at the site of the crash is 70 kilometers per hour, and a continuous white line indicates that overtaking is prohibited.
The community is mourning, particularly for the young children lost in the accident. Residents of Sint-Niklaas, where most victims originated, have been gathering in support of the bereaved family, with local organizations providing assistance through victim support services. A local hall in Temse was set up to accommodate mourning family members, allowing them a space to grieve and say their final goodbyes.
As authorities piece together the details of this tragic event, the loss of life serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of road safety and the rippling impact of such incidents on families and communities alike. The investigation is expected to shed light on the specifics of the driver's actions leading up to the crash and the general safety concerns prevalent on this thoroughfare.
In closing, this incident underscores the need for heightened awareness on road safety regulations, but for now, the focus remains on the grieving family and the significant loss sustained in this heartbreaking accident.
