In Berghem, two individuals lost their lives in November 2024 after their car was struck by a train. The car was being pursued by the police. Following an investigation by the National Criminal Investigation Department, the Public Prosecution Service concludes that the officers are not to blame.
The collision occurred in the early morning of Tuesday, November 26, 2024. The car in which the men were traveling was found to be stolen. A stop signal from the police was ignored, prompting the officers to initiate the pursuit. The vehicle was struck by a train while crossing a closed railway crossing. The two occupants (ages 43 and 29) lost their lives in the incident.
Investigation
The National Criminal Investigation Department subsequently investigated whether the officers acted correctly during the pursuit. The officers were interviewed as witnesses. Additionally, dispatch recordings were listened to, surveillance footage in the area was reviewed, and multiple witnesses were interviewed.
Proper and Lawful
Based on the investigation, the Public Prosecution Service concludes that the involved officers are not to blame. There was a valid reason for the pursuit, and it proceeded according to guidelines. The officers acted properly and lawfully, in the opinion of the Public Prosecution Service. The fact that the driver chose to drive over the closed railway crossing cannot be attributed to the officers. They will therefore not be prosecuted.
The involved officers and the relatives of the victims have been informed of the decision by the Public Prosecution Service.