A 58-year-old cyclist was critically injured in a serious traffic collision involving a car on Friday morning at Sint-Annaplein in Ghent.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30am, prompting an immediate emergency response and raising concerns about road safety in the busy intersection.
According to initial reports from local authorities, the cyclist was struck by a car driven by a 24-year-old French national.
Emergency services arrived swiftly at the scene and transported the injured cyclist to UZ Gent hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The identity of the victim has not yet been released.
Police spokesperson Els Cleemput confirmed that the driver underwent alcohol and drug testing shortly after the collision.
“The test results showed a positive reading for alcohol consumption. The driver tested negative for drugs,” she said. The suspect has since been detained and is awaiting further questioning by investigators.
The precise circumstances leading up to the collision remain unclear, and authorities have yet to assign a traffic expert to conduct a technical analysis of the scene.
Investigators are examining whether the driver’s alcohol consumption may have played a significant role in the crash, and are also looking into the visibility and traffic light conditions at the time of the incident.
Witnesses who were in the vicinity of Sint-Annaplein around the time of the collision are being urged to come forward to assist with the investigation.
One local resident, who declined to be named, said she was walking her dog when she saw emergency vehicles rushing to the scene. “There was a lot of commotion. I saw the bicycle lying on the ground and police officers cordoning off the area,” she said.
The intersection at Sint-Annaplein, located near several residential and commercial areas, is known for being a busy traffic junction during morning commute hours.
Local advocacy groups have repeatedly called for improved safety measures for cyclists in the city, particularly at intersections shared by cars and bicycles.
“This tragic incident underscores the need for stronger protections for vulnerable road users like cyclists,” said Anke Vermeulen, a spokesperson for the Fietsersbond (Cyclists’ Union) in Ghent. “We hope this leads to a renewed focus on infrastructure and driver awareness.”
As the investigation continues, police have not ruled out the possibility of criminal charges against the driver, pending the outcome of further questioning and analysis. A full report from the public prosecutor’s office is expected in the coming days.
In the meantime, authorities are asking motorists and cyclists to exercise heightened caution, particularly during early morning and late evening hours when visibility may be lower and driver alertness can be compromised.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Ghent police or provide tips via the official online platform.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
