Queen Beatrix Consoles Her People after Apeldoorn Tragedy

Last week, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands issued the following statement via the Dutch Royal House website concerning the tragedy in Apeldoorn on Queen’s Day (April 30th).

“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.”

In the aftermath of the tragedy, seven people died and ten more were injured, some of the survivors were listed in serious condition.

The queen, along with the Prince of Orange, Princess Máxima and Princess Margriet, comforted the survivors and family members of the victims whilst visiting hospitals in Zwolle, Utrecht, Amersfoort, Tilburg and Arnhem last Saturday.

A memorial service was held for the victims of the Apeldoorn tragedy in the Theater Orpheus this evening. Queen Beatrix, several members of the Dutch Royal Family and Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende were in attendance.