It has emerged that the van driver held responsible for the death of a 14-year-old cyclist in Kapellen (Antwerp Province) on Monday was under the influence of cannabis and alcohol. Local police confirmed the news on Tuesday morning. The driver, a 22-year-old Italian, has been arrested and will be arraigned before an examining magistrate. His driving licence has been withdrawn for 15 days.
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Van driver tests positive for cannabis and alcohol after fatal accident involving 14-year-old boy
Colin Clapson
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The accident happened around 8pm on Monday morning. The boy was rushed to Antwerp university hospital in a critical condition but died soon afterwards. It is not yet entirely clear how exactly the accident happened. There are CCTV images, but they are still being examined.
The driver tested positive for alcohol and drugs local police say. Officer Tom De Gent: ‘We cannot give any further information at the moment about how much alcohol and drugs were in his blood, as the investigation is still ongoing.’
The driver had his licence revoked for 15 days. This is standard procedure. The man, a 22-year-old Italian, living in the Netherlands, is also currently in police custody. The public prosecutor's office has decided that he should appear before an examining judge, who may decide to keep him in custody longer.