Dendermonde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 17, 2026 – Dendermonde police launched an investigation into an illegal street race that occurred on Oude Vest in the city centre. Officers traced two vehicle license plates following multiple witness reports of dangerous driving and public disturbance. The incident involved high-speed manoeuvres endangering pedestrians and local residents during evening rush hour.
The street race took place Friday evening between 18:45 and 19:15 on the busy Oude Vest connecting Dendermonde market square to the Scheldt river bridges. Local police zone Rupel-Laak (Dendermonde, Buggenhout, Lebbeke) received 14 emergency calls reporting burnouts, wheel spins, and excessive noise levels. Traffic cameras captured clear vehicle identification enabling rapid plate tracing.
Incident Location and Traffic Context
Oude Vest functions as primary access route linking Dendermonde station to city centre commercial district. Street measures 420 metres featuring cobblestone surface, narrow footpaths, and 30 km/h residential speed limit. Friday evening traffic averages 1,200 vehicles hourly peaking 18:30-19:30 with school bus movements.
Incident blocked bidirectional traffic creating 800-metre tailbacks to N17 ring road. Five near-collisions reported involving cyclists and delivery vans. No injuries recorded despite three pedestrians requiring assistance after evasive manoeuvres.
Police Response and License Plate Tracing
Dendermonde central station dispatched three marked patrols within four minutes of initial 18:47 call. Officers arrived 18:52 confirming tyre marks, rubber debris across 180 metres section. ANPR cameras at Oude Vest-Veemstraat junction recorded both vehicles eastbound 18:57.
License plate database confirmed first vehicle registered to 27-year-old Sint-Niklaas resident, second to 22-year-old Dendermonde local. Both drivers hold clean records absent prior traffic violations. House calls conducted Saturday morning establishing driver identities and vehicle locations.
Vehicle Descriptions from Witnesses
Primary vehicle identified as modified silver Audi S3 2022 model featuring lowered suspension, 19-inch alloys, loud exhaust system. Secondary vehicle black BMW 3-series M-sport package displaying blue LED underglow lighting. Both vehicles displayed aggressive driving patterns including clutch kicks, handbrake turns around parked cars.
Twenty-seven witnesses provided statements including five dashcam recordings submitted voluntarily. Supermarket CCTV across junction captured complete sequence from 18:46 acceleration zone. Professional footage analysis confirms speeds exceeded 90 km/h localised sections.
Traffic Regulation Violations Charged
Public prosecutor’s office authorised charges including dangerous driving Article 41 Road Traffic Act, reckless endangerment Article 418 Penal Code, noise pollution municipal ordinance. Additional violations encompass illegal vehicle modifications, burnouts public highway, speeding 30 km/h zone.
Maximum penalties total 2 years imprisonment plus €16,000 fine per driver. Vehicle immobilisation pending court hearing scheduled February 3 Turnhout correction court. License suspension immediate effect 6 months minimum.
Eyewitness Accounts Documented
Local bakery owner age 58 reported: “Two cars came screaming past shop window maximum acceleration. Customers dived inside fearing collision.” Cycle courier
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