Three people died and one was seriously injured early on Wednesday morning after a car crashed and caught fire during a police chase in The Hague’s Mariahoeve neighbourhood.
The incident occurred around 4:40 AM at a junction in the Mariahoeve neighbourhood, when a vehicle fleeing from police lost control, flipped over, and struck a tree.
All casualties were occupants of the pursued vehicle, the Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed.
What happened?
Police had attempted to stop the vehicle due to suspicious driving behaviour. Instead of pulling over, the driver accelerated away at high speed, according to NOS.
The car overturned before crashing into a tree and bursting into flames. Emergency services, including the fire brigade, multiple ambulances, and a trauma helicopter, rushed to the scene.
One person was pulled from the burning wreckage and is currently hospitalised with undisclosed injuries. The remaining three could not be saved.
Investigation underway
The Bezuidenhoutseweg remains closed as investigators examine the scene.
The Rijksrecherche (the national police investigation unit that handles incidents involving law enforcement) is leading the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The vehicle was completely destroyed by fire, complicating the broader investigation.
Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮
