Dutch footballer Rick van Drongelen was involved in a fatal car accident on his way to training. The defender, who was loaned out by 1. FC Union Berlin to the Belgian first division club KV Mechelen, was injured and taken to hospital after the accident on Wednesday morning, his Belgian club said. The driver of the other vehicle was killed.
“We would like to express our condolences to the family of the victim,” said KV sports director Tom Caluwé, according to the announcement. “We learned the accident happened this morning while Rick was on his way to practice. Rick himself was taken to the hospital. His injuries don’t appear to be too bad at first glance, but further medical checks should shed some light on that.” Further details of the accident are not yet known.
The 23-year-old van Drongelen played for Hamburger SV from 2017 to 2021 and then switched to Union. However, he did not get a chance with the Berlin Bundesliga team in the first half of the season and was loaned to Mechelen until the end of the season. Union commented on the accident on Twitter. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the accident victim. We send a lot of strength in these difficult hours. Get well soon, Rick!”, The club wrote. (dpa/Tsp)