Yesterday, during our national celebration of Queens day (the birthday of the Queen) a person tried to hit the bus with our Royal family with his (small) car. While trying this, he hit 20+ people in the crowd, killing 5 and wounding a number of others.

Although our Royal family witnessed the whole incident from only meters away, they are unharmed. Off-course they are upset because of what happened.

The driver of the car died early this morning (Dutch time). (more information can be found here, but the images can be shocking.)

I would like to express my sympathy to the victims, their families and friends.

After a wonderful, bright orange start of the day, the world turned black.

Martin

(Message edited by martin_w on May 1, 2009)

Martin what an absolutely horrible thing to happen. I am glad the royal family were not injured, our thoughts are for the bereaved.

Good Morning Martin,

Ken read me the news report last evening and we were appalled at the events that took place.

Our hearts go out to the victims and their families as well.

Thank you for posting this.

Martin-Angel-ah, I read that on the news before I retired last night and could only ask myself "WHY!!!"

Thanks for the update. I too am sad for the victims and their families as I am for the family of that deranged man, both for his actions which of course will cause them pain and embarrassment along with his death but, am at the same time I am very glad that none of your royal family was physically harmed.

Well, from what we are told by news sources (I can post links to Dutch sites if requested), the man lost his job as a security guard a couple of months ago and had to evacuate his house on May, 1st.

Letters from collecting agencies (is that the correct word??) always state "In naam der Koningin, ..." (In the name of the Queen, ...", so maybe that was why he did it. On the other hand, I read an article suggesting it was an attempt to commit "suicide by cop". Either way, he harmed a lot of people, not only the victims who got actually hurt, but also everybody witnissing it, either in the public at the scene or watching TV.

Another horrible tragedy in the world that we can never understand

Martin, I saw that on the news yesterday and just shook my head. The Queen's bus is s large, and that car was so small. I feel horrible for those that lost their lives, and their families.

We have had several suicides and multiple suicide/murder families in the US since September 08....all because they were out of jobs and felt they had no other options...

Tragic, hugs to Holland and all of those who need them.

It's a sad day for sure.

So sad..thoughts and prayers go out...
Unfortunately as the economy gets worse, people do these crazy things...just horrible Martin!

Martin, millions of us over here feel the pain and send our deepest sympathies.

I fear society today has lost touch with what is truly important. We all need to stop and rethink about values and morals. There was a time, in my lifetime, when events like this would be considered impossible. Why(Tom asks)? Simple respect for fellow man/woman. Thats where it starts and thats the only way to stop the social deterioration causing events such as this. IMO

Values and Morals. I'll stand by that.

Martin ~ prayers to all involved in this horrible incident....let's pray that the world becomes a better place!

I am so sorry.

How horrible.

Thoughts to everyone and to your country.

Martin...I caught the news here as well. I was very saddened by it all. My hope is that the healing process will be able to begin soon.

Hugs Martin and Angela,, Prayers for those involved with this horrific incident..

Healing thoughts and prayers to everyone affected. What a horrible incident!

I am saddened to hear this news. Prayers to all the families.

Martin, I was so sad to see the event on the news today. It is a sad time when the desperate strike out against others. I have always admired your culture which is so open.
Many thoughts and prayers to the affected families.
Hugs to you and Angela!

Yes, Martin. Sometimes words cannot express one's feelings. It's on our news too, with the young prince and his wife's horrified reaction pictured for all to see. Sometimes we think only our own country is going bonkers, but this present day stress is hitting us all. Hugs to you, Angela, and all other Netherlanders.