Louis W., the man who caused a fatal traffic accident while driving drunk and speeding after a wedding, is facing 18 months in prison, a fine of €8,000, a five-year driving ban, and a two-year alcohol interlock.
The incident, which occurred two years ago, resulted in the death of two passengers and injuries to four others.
In the early hours of 25 September 2022, a horrific accident occurred when a group of friends returned from a wedding. Louis W’s vehicle drove straight over a roundabout in Koningshooikt, a village in the province of Antwerp. The car flipped and ended up roof-first in a restaurant car park. Four passengers were injured, and a couple, Joyce Van Roosbroeck and Wim Janssens, died from their injuries.
Driver's reckless disregard led to tragedy
Investigators discovered Louis W. was driving at least 121 km per hour – over 50 km more than permitted – when he entered the roundabout. He had been drinking despite being appointed the designated driver by his friends. His blood was found to contain 1.83 per mille alcohol.
Prosecutors pointed out that at the time of the accident he was incapable of driving and had lost control of the vehicle. “Moreover, four people were in the back seat, one more than allowed. None of the backseat passengers were wearing a seatbelt. The driver should ensure everyone wears them.”
Louis W. accepted responsibility for the accident. “There’s no disputing he was to be the designated driver that evening. However, he was convinced by others at the party to drink,” his lawyer, Frédéric Thiebaut, commented. “He should have known better and owns up to his responsibility.”
Defence pushes for rehabilitation over prison
Thiebaut argued that a prison sentence may not be suitable for his client, who lived close to the accident site and was often reminded of it. Instead, he suggested a suspended sentence and work in a rehabilitation centre to confront him with the sufferings of traffic victims.
The deceased couple’s parents, their children, her brother, and best friend have filed for civil action. “My clients awoke to a new reality that Sunday,” expressed Lieve Peeters, who represents the parents and daughters of the victims.
The accident was caused by the driver’s excessive speed and intoxication, he said, adding that his brother’s primary reaction was to cover up that there was an extra person in the car rather than offering help. “While the reparations we seek won’t compensate for my clients’ suffering,” Peeters said, “it gives the victims some recognition and provides a degree of financial peace of mind.”
