Four people suffered severe injuries in a motorway collision between Brussels and Leuven on Friday morning.
The incident, reported by several media outlets and subsequently affirmed by federal police, took place on the E40. According to prosecutors in Leuven, a technical fault may have instigated the crash.
The accident occurred around 6:30 am towards Liege at the Everberg lay-by, where the vehicles collided.
"CCTV footage revealed the primary vehicle came to a sudden stop, likely due to a technical fault," stated a Leuven prosecutor spokesperson.
"The second vehicle couldn’t brake in time, resulting in the collision. The driver of the second car sustained injuries, but hospital treatment wasn’t required. The first vehicle, however, had four occupants, all of whom suffered grave injuries and are now hospitalised in a critical condition."
Traffic experts appointed by the prosecutor’s office are now investigating to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, alcohol tests administered to the drivers of both vehicles proved negative.
Traffic was significantly disrupted post-accident. Leuven-bound traffic was reduced to two lanes resulting in queues from Brussels. Traffic towards the capital experienced minor delays due to onlookers.
