The drunk driver who killed two cyclists in Ghent will face a traffic court for involuntary manslaughter and unintentional injuries, among other charges, the Ghent council chamber decided on Thursday.
The incident occurred at around 11:00 on 25 February, when the 45-year-old driver hit a group of five cyclists riding on a cycle path.
The collision resulted in the deaths of two cyclists, both in their forties. The remaining three were injured, one of them severely. Tests revealed the driver had an alcohol level of 3 grams per litre of blood.
The individual, who was under a driving ban at the time of the accident, was put into custody by the investigating judge for the involuntary manslaughter of two people in traffic and unintentional wounding.
The chamber had previously granted the man conditional bail, but this decision was appealed by the prosecution.
Preliminary results from the traffic expert’s investigation suggest the accident was caused by the driver’s poor handling of his vehicle, coupled with excessive speed.
