Five Injured in Multi-Car Collision on N16 in Sint-Niklaas

Five people were taken to hospital on Tuesday morning after a serious three-car collision on the Prins Alexanderlaan (N16) in Sint-Niklaas, East Flanders. Emergency services, including police, fire crews, and ambulances, responded to the scene shortly after 8:30 AM local time, according to VRT NWS.

The Incident

A car entering the N16 was struck in the side by a vehicle traveling towards Sint-Niklaas. The impact caused the striking vehicle to overturn, coming to rest on its side approximately 50 meters away. A third car was also hit in the chain of events.

The fire brigade had to extricate three occupants from one of the wrecked vehicles, Het Laatste Nieuws reported. All five injured individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to hospital. The three occupants from the overturned car were among those hospitalized, along with the drivers of the other two vehicles.

Suspected Cause

Initial reports suggest that one of the drivers may have run a red light, according to HLN. No other factors — such as alcohol, speed, or weather conditions — have been mentioned in connection with the crash.

Road Closure

The N16 towards the city center was closed to all traffic for a period following the collision, with diversions put in place to redirect motorists.

Broader Context

This accident adds to a pattern of incidents on the N16 corridor in Sint-Niklaas. The road has seen multiple serious crashes in recent years, including a fatal accident earlier in 2026 involving a 19-year-old woman. Local authorities and the Agency for Roads and Traffic have faced ongoing calls for improved safety measures along this busy arterial route.

Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved or provided updates on their current conditions.