Belgian PM hurt in car accident

Mr Verhofstadt had been working to fend off a government crisis

Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt has been taken to hospital after being hurt in a car crash.

The car, driven by his chauffeur, overturned at around 2200 hours (2000 GMT) on Tuesday near his home in Ghent, Belgian media reported.

Hospital officials have been quoted as saying his injuries are not life-threatening. His driver's condition is not known.

Mr Verhofstadt has been Belgian prime minister since 1999.

His car hit a concrete block before overturning three times and coming to a stop, according to Belgian media reports.

The prime minister had spent the day in marathon talks amid a looming crisis that threatens to undermine his federal government.

At issue are expansion plans by the DHL courier company near Brussels.

Politicians are divided along linguistic and ideological lines in a dispute that pits supporters of job creation against those fearing a rise in noisy night flights, Reuters reports.

Flemish and Liberal politicians back allowing DHL to expand its operations, in the hope that it will boost employment.

French-speaking and Socialist politicians fear a deterioration in the quality of life of residents near Brussels airport.

Talks were due to resume on Wednesday morning.