Cyclist, 21, Critical After Truck Collision in Turnhout

A 21-year-old cyclist from Turnhout is in life-threatening condition after being struck by a truck driver in the early hours of Saturday morning, reigniting concerns over cyclist safety on Belgian roads. The accident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning at the intersection of Parklaan and Rubensstraat in Turnhout, a city in the Belgian province of Antwerp.

The Incident

According to VRT NWS, the truck driver, aged 60, was traveling on Parklaan toward Vosselaar when the cyclist suddenly crossed from the Stadspark (city park) area at the Rubensstraat intersection. The driver could not avoid the collision.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and provided first aid before transporting the victim to hospital in critical condition. Police spokesperson Bert Verherstraeten of the Local Police Regio Turnhout confirmed the driver’s account was corroborated by a witness.

“The truck driver states that he was driving on Parklaan toward Vosselaar and that the cyclist suddenly crossed from the city park, at the Rubensstraat,” Verherstraeten said. “The driver could no longer avoid the cyclist. His account is also confirmed by a witness.”

Driver Cleared of Impairment

The truck driver remained at the scene following the collision and cooperated fully with investigators. HLN reported that the driver passed both a breathalyzer test and a saliva drug test, returning negative results for alcohol and narcotics.

According to initial police information cited by HLN, the truck driver had noticed the cyclist too late to avoid the impact. It remains unclear whether the cyclist was crossing at a designated crossing point or who bears legal responsibility for the accident.

Investigation Underway

The public prosecutor’s office has dispatched a traffic expert to the scene to determine the exact circumstances of the collision. Under Belgian traffic law, there is often a presumption of liability on the motorist when a collision involves a vulnerable road user such as a cyclist. However, the specific circumstances — including whether the cyclist had right of way — will determine the outcome of the investigation.

Broader Cyclist Safety Concerns

The incident has renewed calls for improved cyclist safety in Belgium, where over 100 cyclists die in traffic accidents annually, according to the Belgian statistical office Statbel. Turnhout has been a particular focus of concern, with the Fietsersbond (Cyclists’ Union) identifying multiple problematic intersections in the city.

A separate HLN report from October 2025 highlighted that the intersection at the Ring near coffee roaster Miko — a different location from Saturday’s accident — was named the most dangerous intersection for cyclists in Turnhout. That junction features simultaneous green lights for cars and cyclists, leading to conflict situations, and a complete redesign is not expected until 2027.

While the Parklaan and Rubensstraat intersection is a different location, the accident has drawn attention to the broader infrastructure challenges facing cyclists in the city. The collision occurred at night, and low visibility may have been a contributing factor.

What Happens Next

The 21-year-old cyclist remains in critical condition, and no further updates on his status have been released since the initial emergency response. The traffic expert’s findings will determine whether any charges are filed against the truck driver and whether the intersection’s safety design will face renewed scrutiny.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities cyclists face on Belgian roads and the ongoing need for infrastructure improvements to protect vulnerable road users.