Van Overturns on N34 Near De Punt, Road Partially Closed

A serious traffic incident occurred on Thursday evening, March 5, 2026, on the N34 near De Punt in the province of Drenthe, Netherlands. A van overturned, leaving the driver seriously injured and causing partial closure of the A28 to N34 connection.

Details of the Accident

According to reports from Persbureau Drenthe, the incident took place shortly before 6:30 PM. The van rolled over a ditch and came to rest in a nearby field. Emergency services, including the fire department from Eelde and a mobile medical team, were dispatched to the scene.

Firefighters assisted in extracting the driver from the vehicle. Following on-site medical assessment, the driver was transported to a hospital for further treatment. The extent of the injuries is currently unknown.

Traffic Disruption

The accident has resulted in a partial closure of the A28 to N34 connection, causing traffic disruptions in the area. Motorists are advised to expect delays and consider alternative routes.

Location Significance

The accident occurred at De Punt, a location with historical significance. Wegenwiki notes that the area is named after a slight village and gained national attention due to a train hijacking in 1977. The junction is officially known as the Zuidlaren connection, but is commonly referred to as “De Punt.”

N34 Route Information

The N34 is a major provincial road in Drenthe, extending over 75 kilometers from the A28 at De Punt, through towns like Zuidlaren, Gieten, Borger, Emmen, and Coevorden, to Ommen. The Province of Drenthe is currently undertaking improvements to the N34 to enhance traffic safety and flow, including plans for a flyover at Gieten and widening sections of the road.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident. Further updates will be provided as they become available.