Police said the truck driver, a 46-year-old Spaniard, was suspected of causing the accident, which happened early Saturday night in the village of Nieuw-Beijerland. The big truck the man was driving left a small rural road, went down the bank of the embankment and plowed into the village gathering. Photos of the scene showed hoods hanging between trees and chairs scattered around small tables with plates still on them. Police spokeswoman Mirjam Boers said the driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. “We are investigating what could have happened,” he said. Forensic investigators worked into Saturday night around the truck where it had come to rest at the bottom of the embankment. Later, a crane and a tow truck lifted it back onto the road. The local mayor, Charlie Aptroot, said after visiting the scene: “My condolences go out to the victims, their families, eyewitnesses and first responders.” He said he had spoken to many of the people at the scene and expressed “appreciation for the way people are there for each other”.
