The Antwerp Chamber of Indictments thus confirms the decision taken by the Council Chamber.
On April 10, the bus driven by the 35-year-old French driver crashed into the concrete safety barrier along the E19 motorway towards the Netherlands near Schoten. He then overturned and crossed the highway. Among the 30 passengers on board, a 29-year-old Colombian and a 17-year-old Frenchwoman lost their lives. Other passengers were injured to varying degrees.
The driver’s saliva test came back positive. A blood test confirmed that he had consumed cannabis. The driver himself assumes that he fell asleep at the wheel. He was arrested for loss of control of the vehicle, driving under the influence of narcotics, manslaughter and involuntary assault. He was already known in France for drug-related offences.
Two weeks ago, the bus driver had appeared before the Council Chamber, which had decided to release him on conditions after the payment of a deposit. The prosecution appealed. But the Indictments Chamber confirmed this release on Friday.