Six Injured, Two Critical, in Overnight E403 Crash
A devastating multi-vehicle crash on the E403 highway near Kachtem in West Flanders left six people injured early Saturday morning, including two children who are fighting for their lives. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, involved four vehicles and unfolded in two separate collisions within minutes of each other, according to VRT NWS.
The Incident
The first collision took place near the Kachtem/Izegem-Roeselare Haven exit, which was closed due to roadworks. A black Opel Corsa carrying a family of four — a father (39), mother (40), daughter (4), and son (7) — was stationary on the highway, likely confused by the nighttime roadworks. A white van driven by a 27-year-old woman could not brake in time and rear-ended the family vehicle, pushing both cars against a crash absorber.
Minutes later, a taxi stopped to assist the victims. As the driver stepped out to help, a fourth vehicle — a black Volkswagen Golf — crashed into the taxi and one of the vehicles from the first collision. The driver of the Golf tested positive for alcohol, according to the West Flanders prosecutor’s office (Parket West-Vlaanderen), as reported by HLN.
Casualties
The injuries are severe and heartbreaking. The father (39) and his 4-year-old daughter are in life-threatening condition. The mother (40) and her 7-year-old son sustained serious injuries. The 27-year-old van driver was also injured. The driver of the fourth vehicle sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital. The taxi driver escaped unharmed, having been outside his vehicle when the second collision occurred.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed six people were injured in total, clarifying earlier reports that had suggested seven victims. De Morgen reported the same figures, citing official sources.
Emergency Response
The Roeselare fire brigade had to extricate all four occupants from the Opel Corsa, which was severely damaged. All injured were transported to hospitals. A traffic expert from the prosecutor’s office was dispatched to investigate the scene. The highway was completely closed between Roeselare and Lichtervelde in the direction of Bruges for several hours, reopening later that morning.
Investigation and Context
The exact reason why the Opel Corsa was stationary remains under investigation. The fire brigade confirmed that signage at the roadworks site was adequate, with a large warning sign placed 500 meters before the closed exit, as reported by KW.
The involvement of alcohol in the second collision adds a potential criminal dimension to the incident. The driver who tested positive may face charges of driving under the influence causing bodily harm.
Broader Safety Concerns
This tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns on the E403. A KW.be analysis from October 2025 found that municipalities along the E403 score notably high in accident frequency per kilometer. The highway section between Roeselare and Bruges is slated to receive a third lane, though the timeline remains uncertain.
What’s Next
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine why the family’s vehicle came to a stop on the highway. The medical condition of the father and 4-year-old daughter remains critical, with no updates on their prognosis as of the latest reporting. The driver who tested positive for alcohol could face criminal proceedings as the investigation unfolds.