Apeldoorn tragedy

| Redactie

Last year, Queen’s Day was marred by a tragic incident in Apeldoorn during the visit by Queen Beatrix and her family. Dutch citizen Karst Tates, 38, crashed his Suzuki Swift into the waiting crowd and slammed into a monument, just missing the open-topped bus carrying the royal family. Seven people died, four suffered major injuries, and five people were slightly wounded. The driver died in hospital that night and another woman a week later, bringing the total number of deaths to nine. On April 29, Queen Beatrix and the mayor of Apeldoorn will unveil a memorial commemorating the victims of this tragedy.

Security in Wemeldinge and Middelburg this year is understandable tight. Cars have been banned from the parade area and admirers will have to pass a security check. More than 1600 police will be on guard with the authority to search anyone suspicious.

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