The fatal accident occured at 2am on the E40 motorway in the direction of Jabbeke, between Middelkerke and Gistel.
According to reports in Belgium, this particular stretch of the motorway is not lit, and the driver in the vehicle in the neighbouring lane was unable to avoid colliding with the man who had suddenly jumped into his path. The victim was then run over by several cars.
Police officers learned that the man was part of a group of Eritrean migrants. The group told officers that the man who died in the accident had jumped from the truck.
This has also been confirmed by the Bruges public prosecutor’s office, who have stated: “The victim was probably a man in his thirties with Eritrean nationality.” The statement from the prosecutor’s office added: “He was in the truck with 7 other migrants. The investigation into the correct identity and circumstances is still ongoing.”