A 14-year-old cyclist has died after being hit by a van in Kapellen, Antwerp, on Monday evening. The driver of the van was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
The teenager was hit by a vehicle at around 20:00 while riding his bike on Christiaan Pallemansstraat in Kapellen. Following the collision, the teenager was taken to the university hospital UZA in Edegem in critical condition. He later passed away, the local police zone Noord of Stabroek confirmed on Tuesday morning.
The driver tested positive for drugs and alcohol, the police added. VRT NWS reported the suspect is a 22-year-old Italian national who is residing in the Netherlands. He has been arrested and his driving licence has been revoked for 15 days, which is standard procedure.
"As for exactly how much alcohol and drugs he had in his blood, we cannot give any further information at the moment, as the investigation is still ongoing."
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The Public Prosecutor's Office will decide on Tuesday whether he can be released or whether he should appear before the investigating judge. Camera images are being examined.
Last month, a 14-year-old girl died in the same area (Putte-Kapellen) after she was hit by a bus while crossing the road. The victim was cycling to school at the time.
