A Dutch court has released the 20-year-old driver suspected of causing the deaths of three school-aged children and their principal, as we first reported on Friday 12 June 2026.
Reinaldas J., from Hulst, was released pending trial after a preliminary hearing at the Zeeland-West-Brabant District Court. Judges ruled that defendants should await trial in freedom when the risk to society is considered low. He remains barred from driving, must remain available to investigators and must undergo regular drug tests.
Our original report said the adult victim was an accompanying parent and that it was too early to confirm that the arrested man was the driver. Later reporting identified the adult as the school’s principal and confirmed that Reinaldas J. was behind the wheel.
On Thursday 11 June 2026, 12 pupils from De Warande primary school in Axel and two adults were on a school cycling trip beside the N290 in the municipality of Hulst when the car struck them. Sarah, Olivia and Damian, all aged 12, died along with the principal. At least three other children were injured.
Prosecutors told the court that phone data showed the car travelling at 130 km/h in the 800 metres before a bend with a recommended speed of 70 km/h. The car also had a faulty power-steering system. A blood test showed that his cannabis level was below the legal limit.
Prosecutors allege reckless driving, which can double the maximum sentence for causing death from three years to six. A victims’ support group called the release unbearable for the families. No trial date has been set.
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