Oelegem (Brussels Morning Newspaper): This morning, there was a very sad accident in Oelegem. A cyclist drowned in Albert Canal after he had a crash. Emergency services were alerted when a passer-by discovered a bicycle abandoned near the water’s edge at approximately 6:30 AM. When investigating, she saw a body floating in the canal. Even though the fire brigade arrived early, the efforts made in order to resuscitate the dead person were in vain.
A sad accident happened in Oelegem this morning when a cyclist lost his life on the Albert Canal. A passer-by discovered the abandoned bicycle and the body floating in the water around 6:30 AM. Still, the fire brigades tried hard to bring the man to life in the early sixties, but. All efforts proved fruitless. Police assume that the rainy condition of the road has had some influence on this sad occurrence, and the probes continue. According to police reports, “everything points to an unfortunate accident, possibly due to slippery conditions.” The identity of the man whose life was taken so tragically in the attack has not been released at this time. People passing by gave shocking accounts of the event; a man who first came across the bicycle and the lifeless body said he reported the matter to police immediately.
Speaking to Els Kusters of the police zone of Zara, it was established that perhaps the wet floor contributed a lot to the mishap that befell this unfortunate accident. In the area, cycling is done in wet weather, which can cause very terrible cycling conditions. Police are still yet to ascertain the true events that culminated in this event and have called on any person with these facts to come forward. The fire brigade tried very hard to rescue the body from the canal, but by the time the team got there, the body was stiff, and they could not offer any form of treatment. They are also trying to look into the possibility of installing some measures that would prevent such an occurrence again in that area regulated by local authorities. This episode provides a valuable lesson on the risks associated with cycling, especially where there are poor weather conditions.
Safety concerns for cyclists
The use of bicycles for transport and leisure is common in Belgium, but the use of bicycles is associated with a number of risks, especially in bad weather. Residents and cycling associations have always called for increased safety standards on roads, particularly for cyclists, and publicity on how to conduct themselves while cycling. This problem can have considerable risks, especially on roads or paths less maintained or in areas adjacent to canals or other channels of water.
Such an event may trigger more changes to increase security measures meant to safeguard cyclists on the road. This may comprise improving signage of slippery surfaces, timely upkeep of the bicycling tracks, and informational campaigns about defensive cycling throughout unfavourable weather. While authorities continue the search for the cause of this bleak mishap, now is the perfect time of the year for municipalities and cyclists to ponder on measures that can be taken in order to avoid similar catastrophes in Belgian roads and waters.
