The condition of Roosendaal mayor Mark Buijs has shown slight improvement, but there is still a lot of uncertainty, the municipality said on its website. His recovery is expected to be lengthy. Buijs was seriously injured on Tuesday in a single-vehicle bicycle accident in the Zeeland village of Scharendijke.

He sustained severe brain injuries and several broken bones. “Further examinations are needed to determine how serious the injuries are and what recovery treatments are necessary and possible,” the municipality said. He is currently being treated at the Erasmus MC in Rotterdam.

The city council will shortly consult with King’s Commissioner Ina Adema on how to keep the administration of the Brabant city running. Appointing an acting mayor is one of the options. This comes at a crucial time, as a new coalition still has to be formed after the local elections.

The accident happened on Tuesday afternoon on Elkerzeeseweg in Scharendijke, where Buijs was cycling with his wife Christel on an e-bike. Because of the severity of the incident, a trauma helicopter was quickly dispatched to provide emergency medical support.

In a statement released by the Municipality of Roosendaal, Mark Buijs’ family said they are very grateful for the support they’ve received, but are asking for calm and discretion so they can concentrate on his recovery.