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Netherlands 'shaken' by Queen's Day tragedy

News item | 07-05-2009

On 30 April, a car ploughed into a crowd of people celebrating Queen's Day in Apeldoorn. Seven people were killed, and another ten were injured, some of them seriously. Queen Beatrix called the incident 'a terrible tragedy that shocked us all deeply'.

The statement by Her Majesty the Queen:

'What began as a beautiful day ended in a terrible tragedy that shocked us all deeply. People who were there, those who saw the incident on television, anyone who witnessed it could only look on in stunned disbelief. We are left speechless at the idea that such a terrible thing could happen. My family and I, and I think everyone in the country, feel deeply for the victims, their families and friends, and all those who were affected by this incident.'

Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende

'The Netherlands has been shaken by today's horrific events,' said Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende. 'Queen's Day is a day of national celebration. So we are united in our sorrow and sympathy for the dead, the injured and their families. It is a profoundly sad time.

'I have just met with the Queen and the members of the royal family, and they are terribly upset. Their thoughts are with all those who are grieving. And our thoughts, in turn, are with the members of the royal family and the Queen,' said the prime minister.