That morning around 01:30 AM, the Operational Center (OC) of the police received multiple calls about a serious traffic accident on the Noordermeerweg in Rutten. Emergency services that arrived on the scene found a severely damaged car in nearby water. Five young people were in the car, two of whom, aged 18 and 19 from Urk, could not be saved. They succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The three other occupants of the vehicle were found to be seriously injured and were transported to various hospitals in the area. The Noordermeerweg was closed for all traffic for an extended period due to the deployment of various emergency services.

The Traffic Investigation Team (OTV) of the police is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the accident and is looking for witnesses. If you saw the car in question (white VW Golf) driving that night, or if you have dashcam footage or other images that may show the involved vehicle, the police would appreciate receiving that information. Information can be shared via 0900-8844.