A Sunday group ride involving two amateur Belgian cycling clubs turned into a scene of chaos and bloodshed on the Zeelandbrug, a 5 kilometre long bridge linking the Dutch towns of Colijnsplaat and Zierikzee, after riders struck a cord believed to have been attached to a large kite.
Fourteen amateur cyclists from the Jes Carwash (Wildert, Essen) and De Maatjes (Nieuwmoer, Kalmthout) clubs had come together for the ride from Belgium’s Noorderkempen region into the Netherlands on Sunday 05 July. On the bridge’s dedicated cycle path, the lead rider struck the cord across his arm and neck, suffering serious lacerations. All the riders behind crashed in quick succession, creating a domino effect. Essen city councillor Arno Aerden, a member of Jes Carwash, broke his collarbone in the fall.
According to Belgian media, the cord became tangled in the lead rider’s helmet. As the group attempted to free it, a passing van is believed to have caught the line, pulling it taut and causing it to lash several more riders. Five cyclists were taken to hospital, while others were treated at an urgent care clinic. All have since been discharged, although several face lengthy recoveries from deep cuts.
An ambulance happened to be crossing the bridge and was able to administer first aid within moments, with additional emergency services arriving shortly afterwards.
Police in Zeeland-West-Brabant are investigating how the cord ended up on the cycle path. Investigators have not ruled out whether it was accidentally dropped or whether another explanation exists. One working theory is that the cord was dragged onto the roadway before a passing van caught it, pulling it tight across the cycle path. Authorities are appealing for witnesses and are seeking the driver of the van as part of their investigation.
Photo Credit: HVZeeland.nl
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