WEZEMBEEK-OPPEM – A serious traffic accident occurred on Sunday morning when a car carrying five individuals crashed into a bridge pillar at the Vierarmenkruispunt on the outer ring road of Brussels.

Emergency services from the Flemish Brabant West region reported the incident, noting that the fire brigade had to extricate all occupants from the vehicle.

The current condition of those involved remains unknown.

Following the crash, a portion of the outer ring road was closed for approximately two hours, as confirmed by the mayor of Wezembeek-Oppem.

In response to the incident, the public prosecutor’s office dispatched an expert to the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

In light of this event, discussions regarding road safety measures in the area have gained prominence.

Recommendations to enhance safety at such junctions include the implementation of clear road markings and visible signage to aid drivers in anticipating curves and intersections, thereby reducing confusion and potential collisions with structures like bridge supports.

Additionally, improving street lighting at critical locations such as junctions and underpasses is suggested to increase visibility, particularly during adverse weather conditions or early morning hours.

Moreover, traffic control measures, including the installation of speed bumps, rumble strips, and the use of patrols and cameras to enforce speed limits, can contribute to lowering vehicle speeds in high-risk zones, affording drivers more time to react to sudden obstacles.

Redesigning junctions or approach roads to provide better sightlines, wider lanes, and protective barriers around bridge pillars may also help mitigate the likelihood and severity of accidents in the future.