Boy (7) from Dilbeek Critical After Traffic Accident in Lille
A 7-year-old boy from Dilbeek is in critical, life-threatening condition after being struck by a delivery van in Gierle, a sub-municipality of Lille in the Antwerp Kempen region. The accident occurred on Saturday evening when the child suddenly crossed the street and could not be avoided by the oncoming vehicle, according to VRT NWS.
The Incident
The collision happened around 20:30 on Saturday, 22 August, near the intersection of Kloosterstraat and Veenzijde in the centre of Gierle. The boy, who was on a family visit in the area, ran into the street and was hit by a delivery van whose driver could not brake in time.
Emergency services arrived at the scene and provided first aid before transporting the boy to the University Hospital Antwerp (UZA) in critical condition. His older brother, who was deeply distressed by the incident, was also taken to the hospital for a check-up, RTV reported.
Mayor’s Account
Marleen Peeters, mayor of Lille (N-VA), confirmed the circumstances of the accident. “There was a family celebration going on in the area,” she said. “The 7-year-old boy would then suddenly have run into the street. The driver of a delivery van could no longer avoid him and hit him.”
Peeters also confirmed that the boy was taken to UZ in Antwerp and that his older brother, who was so deeply affected, also had to go to the hospital for a check-up.
Driver Not at Fault
According to police, the delivery van driver was not at fault and was not speeding at the time of the collision. The driver was not injured but was deeply shaken by the incident, as Belga news agency reported.
The reason why the boy suddenly ran into the street remains unclear, and authorities have not released further details about his condition.
Context
Gierle is a sub-municipality of Lille, a municipality of over 17,000 inhabitants in the Antwerp province’s Kempen region. The boy’s hometown of Dilbeek is located in Flemish Brabant, more than 60 kilometres away.
Traffic accidents involving children who suddenly cross streets remain a recurring concern in Belgian communities, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise in residential areas during family gatherings.
What to Watch For
The boy’s condition remains critical as he receives treatment at UZA. Local authorities and the family are awaiting further medical updates, while the investigation into the exact circumstances of the accident continues.