Dutch police say six people were killed and seven others injured when a truck veered off the top of an embankment road and plowed into revelers at a neighborhood barbecue. The accident happened at around 18:00 (16:00 GMT) on Saturday when the Spanish-registered truck went off the road in the village of Nieuw-Beijerland, 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of Rotterdam. The victims were three women aged 28, 32 and 75 and three men aged 41, 50 and 62, all from the area, police said. One of the injured is hospitalized in critical condition. Police initially confirmed at least two dead after the vehicle crashed into the busy community barbecue, which Dutch news reports said was being hosted by an ice skating club. “We now have six dead and seven injured, one seriously after yesterday’s accident,” police spokeswoman Mirzam Boers said. “We are still investigating exactly what happened.” Photos from the scene identified the truck as belonging to Spain-based El Mosca. Boers confirmed that the 46-year-old driver from Spain was arrested “and was not under the influence of alcohol” at the time of the accident. “He was arrested for causing a fatal accident and grievous bodily harm. His role in the incident is being investigated. At this time, we are keeping all scenarios open regarding the events,” police said in a statement. Emergency services are at the scene after a lorry drove down an embankment at a neighborhood party [ANP via AFP]
“unimaginable sadness”
Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima said they were “shocked” by the tragedy. “We are shocked and moved by the terrible accident in Nieuw-Beijerland last night in which so many people were killed. An unimaginable sadness within this close-knit community,” they said in an official message. “The families affected are in our thoughts and we wish the injured strength on their journey to the best possible recovery.” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte also sent his condolences. “Terrible news… my thoughts are with the victims and relatives of this terrible drama. I wish them a lot of strength,” Rutte wrote on Twitter. Citing witnesses, regional broadcaster Rijnmond said the truck stopped for a moment at a T-junction on the narrow Zuidzijdsedijk embankment, before taking off and plowing into the parties. Three of the victims – a mother, son and eight-months-pregnant bride – were from the same family, the TV station said, citing a statement from the local church. The incident has shaken the tight-knit community of the Nieuw-Beijerland area with police appealing for more witnesses to help with the investigation. “Due to the barbeque in the neighborhood, many people were present during the incident,” police said.
