AMSTERDAM — The eldest child of a Belgian family is in serious condition after a car crashed into a horse-drawn carriage near the Efteling theme park in the Netherlands on Thursday morning.

The parents and their three children (aged six, four and a toddler) from Duffel were staying in Villa Pardoes, a vacation centre for families with children who have life-threatening illnesses.

They were travelling in the second of two horse-drawn carriages when the car ploughed into them. The eldest child is said to be in a serious condition.

The carriage driver and his wife were also injured. The accident occurred near Kaatsheuvel, very near to the Efteling theme park.

Police arrested the 66-year-old driver of the car and took possession of his driving licence. His view of the road may have been restricted by frost on his windscreen, officers said.

The Belgian family were taken to a local hospital and are expected to remain there until Friday.

The father suffered a broken leg, while his wife and two of his children have lesser injuries. Details have not been released about the injuries the six-year-old suffered.

The carriage driver and his wife were allowed home after receiving treatment in hospital.

The other five families staying at Villa Pardoes were reportedly shocked by the accident. They have been moved to the Efteling hotel.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2006]

Subject: Dutch news + Belgian news