Zain (9) Fighting for Life After Stolen Scooter Hit in Ghent

A 9-year-old girl named Zain is fighting for her life in a Ghent hospital after being struck by a stolen scooter on Monday evening, suffering a severe skull fracture. The rider, a 14-year-old boy, fled the scene without offering help but was apprehended shortly afterward by police.

The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, July 13 on the Gasmeterlaan in Ghent, near the Rabotpark where Zain had been playing. She was crossing the street on her way home when she was hit by the scooter, according to Het Laatste Nieuws. The Rabot area is a diverse, densely populated neighborhood in the city, and the park where Zain had been spending her evening is a local district park popular with families.

Critical Condition

Zain was initially rushed to AZ Sint-Lucas hospital before being transferred to UZ Gent (University Hospital Ghent) due to the severity of her injuries. Her brother, speaking to HLN, confirmed the devastating news: “My sister has suffered a skull fracture. Her condition is so critical that she has been transferred to UZ Gent.”

As of Tuesday morning, July 14, Zain remains in critical condition at UZ Gent, where she continues to fight for her life. The hospital is one of Belgium’s leading medical centers, equipped to handle severe trauma cases.

Suspect Apprehended

The 14-year-old rider did not stop to offer assistance after the collision and fled the scene. However, police were able to apprehend him shortly after the incident. The scooter he was riding was confirmed to be stolen.

According to VRT NWS, the East Flanders prosecutor’s office confirmed that the suspect will be brought before a juvenile court judge. Under Belgian law, minors under 18 who commit offenses are typically dealt with by the juvenile court system, which can impose protective measures, educational supervision, or youth-specific sanctions rather than adult criminal penalties. The stolen vehicle and hit-and-run nature of the incident are considered aggravating factors that may influence the court’s decision.

Broader Context

The incident has reignited public concern in Ghent about underage scooter use and road safety. Commenters on local news articles have described the problem as a “plague” in the city, noting that young riders often operate scooters without licenses, at high speeds, and without proper lighting, particularly in the evening hours. One commenter noted seeing young riders — often two on a single scooter — riding wildly on bike paths or in the wrong direction.

This is not an isolated case. In September 2025, the East Flanders prosecutor’s office was searching for a driver who had fled after hitting a young woman with a suspected stolen scooter in Ghent — a strikingly similar pattern to Monday’s incident.

According to the Ghent Police Zone, overall crime in Ghent decreased by 10% in 2025 compared to 2024, with 31,074 criminal offenses recorded. However, incidents involving stolen scooters and hit-and-run collisions remain a persistent concern for residents, particularly in neighborhoods like Rabot.

Legal and Social Implications

The case raises difficult questions about juvenile accountability and road safety in Belgium. The 14-year-old suspect faces proceedings before the juvenile court, where the stolen vehicle and hit-and-run nature of the incident will be considered aggravating factors. The legal process will determine what measures are appropriate for a minor who has caused such devastating harm.

For the community, the incident has sparked calls for stricter enforcement against underage scooter riding and better protection for pedestrians, particularly children, in residential areas. Some residents have called for reforming juvenile justice to impose stricter consequences, while others emphasize the need for greater parental accountability.

What to Watch For

As of the latest reports, Zain’s condition remains critical. The coming days will be crucial in determining her recovery. Meanwhile, the 14-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the juvenile court judge, where the specific charges and potential measures will be determined. The case may also prompt renewed policy discussions in Ghent about youth scooter regulation, stolen vehicle prevention, and pedestrian safety in residential neighborhoods.