Belgian mayor suffers multiple fractures after serious bicycle fall

The mayor of Zemst, Belgium, Bart Coopman, is recovering after a severe fall from his electric bicycle resulted in multiple facial fractures, a concussion, and a broken wrist and ankle. The incident happened last Friday evening as Coopman was cycling home from a housewarming party.

According to reports, Coopman lost control of his bike while attempting to ride over a curb, causing him to fall and strike his head on a concrete mailbox. He was unconscious for several minutes following the impact. He was transported to the Sint-Maarten Hospital in Mechelen, where he is scheduled for surgery next week.

His wife, Frédérique Willemyns, described the event as a "huge shock" but expressed relief that he was conscious and able to move shortly after the fall. She stressed the importance of wearing a helmet, stating, "That must be the lesson: always wear a helmet on the bike." Both his wife and a fellow partygoer confirmed that Coopman had consumed a limited amount of alcohol but was not intoxicated at the time of the accident. He was not wearing a helmet during the ride.

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That must be the lesson: always wear a helmet on the bike.