Nathan Van Hooydonck, who helped Jonas Vingegaard’s second Tour de France victory in July, was critically injured in a traffic accident in his native Belgium and was taken to hospital. Citing local police, several Belgian media reported that the 27-year-old had to be resuscitated on Tuesday and was then taken to hospital conscious.
Van Hooydonck’s team Jumbo-Visma has not yet commented on the accident, which occurred in Kalmthout, north of Antwerp.
“The driver was resuscitated on scene and taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition. His pregnant wife, who was sitting next to him, was uninjured but was also taken to the hospital,” said Border Police spokesman Patrick De Smedt.
According to media reports, Van Hooydonck is said to have caused the accident with at least five cars. According to the police, he suddenly felt unwell at the wheel and crossed a red light. He drove into several vehicles waiting on the other side of the intersection. Three people in the other cars, including a child, suffered minor injuries.
