Trucker marks 10 years since fatal accident, finds solace with victim's grandmother

For a decade, Dutch truck driver Harm-Jan has returned to the same intersection in Oud-Turnhout, Belgium, on August 26th. This year, like the nine before, he laid white flowers, Sam Moelants' favorite, at the site where he fatally struck the 20-year-old cyclist in 2016. The accident, a blind spot incident, occurred as Sam was on her way to work.

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We comfort each other

Accompanying Harm-Jan was Maria Dierckx, Sam's grandmother. She has chosen to maintain contact with the driver since the tragedy, emphasizing that the police investigation found him blameless and he had not been drinking. The family's request for leniency contributed to his light sentence in 2017: a one-month driving ban and a 300-euro fine.

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Also for him, this is part of his processing.

"We comfort each other," Maria stated, highlighting the strong bond that has formed between her and Harm-Jan over the years. She sees his annual pilgrimage as a crucial part of his own healing process. "Also for him, this is part of his processing." Harm-Jan, who traveled 3.5 hours from Veendam in the Netherlands, calls Maria regularly throughout the year.

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It's white flowers, because Sam preferred them.

Following the accident, the intersection was made safer. Trees that had previously obstructed truck drivers' views of cyclists were removed, and a flowerbed was added, improving visibility. Maria confirmed that modifications were made to the bike path, but the removal of the trees was the most significant change. Harm-Jan expressed his intention to continue this annual commemoration, stating, "If you'll find me here on August 26, 2036? If I'm alive and well, certainly."

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I call Maria regularly throughout the year to ask how she is doing. She asked me if I was coming today, but that is actually self-evident for me.