Loke, 11, honors his parents – one year after the fatal accident

A year ago, Loke, 11, lost both of his parents in a serious accident on the E18.

Now he is back at the vintage car rally in Västerås, where the family was heading.

– It feels good to honor them, says Loke.Loke, 11, lost his parents in the fatal accident

In June 2024, Loki got into the family’s green and white 1955 Buick Super, together with his father Tomas, mother Linda and dachshund Rocky. The goal was one of the highlights of the year: the vintage car meet Summer meet in Västerås. But they never arrived.

On the E18, just outside Hallstahammar, they collided head-on with a drunk van driver who had made a reckless overtaking move.

Father Tomas died at the scene, mother Linda died in hospital a few months later and the dachshund Rocky had to be euthanized due to his injuries. Loki, then ten years old, was the only one in the family to survive. He was treated in hospital with several broken bones, including a broken femur.

A year later, Loki is back at the vintage car meet.

– This is where we were going, so it feels good to honor them, he says.

Moved to my aunt’s house

When Loke was released from the hospital, he moved home to his aunt Anna Karlberg, in Karlskoga, who now has custody of him. Now he has become a natural part of the family and the cousins have become like siblings.

For her, it also felt natural to return to Summer Meet.

– We have been here for many years and we will continue to come here. I think that’s what Tomas and Linda would have wanted, that we continue with what is fun, and that is cars, she says.

In a sea of junk cars, Loki stands next to his aunt’s orange-and-white Buick. He was only a few months old the first time his parents took him to Västerås, and apart from last year, he has been there every year.

Be on the motocross circuit within a year

At home, he has a wall full of collector’s signs and now it is complete after he got his hands on the 2024 edition.

– It’s a picture of the car that was named the most beautiful at the exhibition, says Loke, proudly showing off the plaque.

Despite the accident, his interest in engines has not disappeared. Within a year he was back on his motocross bike and able to ride again.

– It took a while, but now I’m faster than ever, he says.

Horns at the accident scene: “A way for us to remember”

At the same time, the longing is great and some days are tougher than others.

– Sometimes it feels too damn good, to be honest. It could have been anyone, but it was them. They were fantastic people, says Anna.

Loke remembers his parents as kind, happy and playful. On his arm he wears a pearl necklace with the words: “Mom. Dad. Missing.” The accident site has also become an important memorial.

– Every time we drive past, we honk. You have to honk, no matter what car you’re in, says Loke.

– It’s a way for us to remember Tomas and Linda, says Anna.