Dutch police have tracked down the lorry involved in a hit-and-run accident on Friday in which a man died. However the driver, who has been identified, is still missing. The accident took place when a group of about 20-30 protesters known as the Yellow Vests were mounting a blockade of the E25 motorway at Visé, between Liege and Maastricht. The protesters were stopping lorries heading in the direction of Maastricht.
In an attempt to pass the blockade, one lorry driver passed through. One of the protesters came under the wheels of the vehicle, and was killed instantly.
He has been identified as Roger B. According to reports, his wife was also present at the protest.
In order to clear the scene for the attendance of a medical examiner and traffic expert, police ordered the driver to go to a nearby parking lot and wait to be tested for drugs and alcohol. But when Belgian police arrived he had absconded.
Dutch police tracked down the vehicle, but there was no trace of the driver. However he has been identified as a 56-year-old Dutch national, and a European warrant issued for his arrest. He now faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident, as well as assault with intent, which resulted in death.
On Saturday, a group of supporters of the Yellow Vests estimated to number 200-300 took part in a memorial gathering by the station in Liege. A similar procession also took place in Mons, Namur and Brussels. Police reported no incidents.
Alan Hope
The Brussels Times
