THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The death toll from a twist of fate when a truck pulled out of a levee and hit a communal fish fry in a village south of Rotterdam rose to six on Sunday and police said seven other people were hospitalized, adding one in critical condition.
Three men and three elderly men between the ages of 28 and 75 were killed, police said.
Police spokeswoman Mirjam Boers said the truck’s driver, a 46-year-old Spaniard, is suspected of causing the fate spin early Saturday in the village of Nieuw-Beijerland. His identity has not been revealed, according to Dutch. privacy laws.
The giant truck the guy was driving came out of a small country road and headed towards the edge of the dike and sank into the village meeting. Boers said the driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
“We’re investigating what happened,” Boers said.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands said in a tweet that they were surprised by the turn of fate they said caused “unimaginable sadness in this united community. “The affected families are on our minds and we wish the wounded strength. as best as possible. “
Forensic investigators worked Saturday around the truck where it stopped at the foot of the levee. Later, a crane and a crane took him back to the road.
Photos from the scene showed sparrows among trees and chairs scattered around easel tables with plates still on them.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte also expressed his sadness in a tweet, saying: “My mind goes out to those who suffer and enjoy this terrible tragedy. I wish you a lot of strength. “
Local Mayor Charlie Aptroot visited the site Saturday night.
“My condolences are conveyed to the victims, their families, eyewitnesses and first responders,” he said in a statement.
He added that he had spoken to many other people at the scene and expressed “his appreciation for the way other people are there to help others. “