Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – TV presenter Tom Waes was severely wounded in a traffic accident at the Kennedytunnel in Antwerp after driving into a crash absorber.
As reported by HLN, the incident occurred on 29 Nov Friday night at about 1 a.m. when Waes was driving in the direction of Ghent. He was alone in his Porsche classic car. As noted, he didn’t see a crash absorber or saw it too late and almost crashed into it head-on. It has also come to light that the emergency services that reached to rescue him had to cut open the roof of his vintage Porsche.
What is the current condition of Tom Waes after the accident?
At the spot of the incident, Federal Police’s Jana Verdegem confirmed that “The driver was initially taken to hospital in life-threatening condition,”. “His condition is now no longer life-threatening. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.”
As Tom Waes creates programs for VRT News, the news forum has reported that Waes has been transferred to the hospital, where he is currently being treated. His condition is serious but stable. The broadcaster also stated that it had been in contact with his family and confirmed in a statement that Waes was seriously injured. “The emergency services were able to resuscitate him, and he was taken to the hospital, where he is currently being treated. His condition is serious but stable.”
“We are close to him and his family, and we are relieved that Tom is out of danger. We ask that the family be allowed to rest during these difficult times and kindly request that they not be contacted.”
Why were crash absorbers placed at the Kennedy Tunnel site?
Due to ongoing work, crash absorbers were in place at the scene of the accident. “Repairs were being carried out on the road surface in the right lane towards Ghent,” stated Stefanie Nagels of the Roads and Traffic Agency. “Works on motorways involve risks, the situation is different from what people are used to.”
“We therefore try to secure the construction sites as much as possible according to very strict procedures. Among other things, by placing crash absorbers. These are vehicles that are placed at the front of road works to protect road workers and drivers.”
