Driver, 56, who crashed into parade visitors was not drunk or on drugs; Cause unknown
The woman who was behind the wheel of a car that crashed into a group of people in Nunspeet was neither drunk nor on drugs, police said on Tuesday. Nine people were injured in the Monday evening incident, including the 56-year-old driver. Local media outlets, including De Gelderlander, reported that the woman became ill while driving, but police have not confirmed that to be the case.
It happened at a roundabout on the Elburgerweg just after 6:30 p.m., where a crowd had gathered at the side of the road in anticipation of the Lichtjestour Elburg. The event sees a motorcade of decorated, well-lit vehicles following a route that includes several villages in the area.
Video captured by a nearby resident's security camera appeared to show a car at a high rate of speed as it approached the traffic circle. Moments after the car sped out of frame, the sound of the crash could be heard as well as several audible screams. Residents and spectators then sprang into action, providing first aid to many of the victims.
At least one child was believed to be among the injured, one witness told RTV Nunspeet. Dispatchers sent a large number of ambulances to the scene, along with three medical trauma teams in separate helicopters, and throngs of police officers and firefighters.
"Last night, the driver of the car was in custody as a suspect. This is common practice in serious traffic accidents," police repeated on Tuesday. "There is no evidence of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol." Forensic analysts were still working to piece together what happened.
"We are investigating the cause of the accident. We are exploring several scenarios. Currently, there is no reason to believe it was a deliberate act."
Three of the nine victims were still being treated in a hospital on Tuesday. "Due to privacy concerns and the significant impact this incident has on those involved, we are not sharing any additional information or medical updates about the victims," police said.
The municipality of Nunspeet, Gelderland, helped coordinate victim support services to assist those injured, as well as the witnesses. There were many children who saw the accident take place, the municipality said, and they can get assistance from a specialized doctor.
"I notice that the impact of this event in the Nunspeet society is great. My thoughts go out to the victims and their families, as well as to the many bystanders who witnessed the accident," said Nunspeet Mayor Céline Blom. A community meeting about the incident and support options will take place Wednesday afternoon.
