On March 30, 2025, a celebration marking 80 years of freedom in Winterswijk turned tragic when a sound system fell, injuring three women. The incident occurred during a lively parade that drew hundreds of spectators, all gathered to commemorate the liberation. Eyewitnesses reported that chaos erupted as the sound box toppled over, leading to immediate responses from emergency services.
The mayor of Winterswijk, Joris Bengevoord, was present at the event and described the moment of the accident. "I heard screams and suddenly saw three people lying on the ground," he recounted. The sound system fell after an army vehicle accidentally pulled a power cable attached to it. According to local reports, this mishap was anticipated by some onlookers. One witness noted, "Five meters before, we saw it: it’s higher than the cable that connects the sound boxes. People started shouting, 'Hey, hey!' But those at the front didn’t hear or understand it."
Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and at least three ambulances, rushed to the scene. The three injured women, aged 65, 57, and 57, were taken to the hospital. The 65-year-old is from Winterswijk, while the other two hail from Eibergen and Borculo. Fortunately, Mayor Bengevoord later confirmed that all three women were in stable condition, expressing hope for their swift recovery. "I just contacted the hospital, and the situation seems stable. That’s positive, and I hope they recover quickly," he stated.
The three women were not just bystanders; they were choir members who had been preparing for this event for some time. Despite the accident, they requested that their performance continue, albeit with a somber atmosphere overshadowing the festivities. Bengevoord acknowledged the emotional impact of the incident, stating, "There was truly a blanket over this day. Many people were out to celebrate 80 years of freedom. Thankfully, everyone remained calm, allowing emergency services to do their work."
Witnesses described a scene of confusion following the accident. Some actors participating in the parade were made up to look injured, which added to the chaos as people mistakenly inquired about their well-being, thinking they were real casualties. "It caused confusion after the accident. People asked the actors with makeup, 'Are you okay, sir?' But those injuries were fake," a bystander explained.
In light of the incident, the police have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the sound system's collapse. The area around the accident site was cordoned off for this purpose. Mayor Bengevoord mentioned that it was too early to speculate on whether the accident could have been prevented, affirming that the police were looking into the matter. "The police are indeed assuming that a passing tank knocked over the sound system," he said.
As the investigation unfolds, the community has rallied around the victims. The municipality has expressed gratitude to all those who provided immediate first aid, emphasizing the importance of their quick and compassionate actions. "Our thoughts are with the three victims and their families, and we hope for a speedy and full recovery. Winterswijk stands with them," the mayor stated.
Despite the unfortunate incident, the remaining activities of the day continued in a respectful manner, honoring the spirit of the celebration. The local community showed resilience, determined to commemorate the significant historical event while supporting those affected by the accident.
As the dust settles on this tragic occurrence, many are left reflecting on the importance of safety at public events. The lessons learned from this incident may prompt future organizers to reassess safety protocols to prevent similar accidents from happening again. The community of Winterswijk, while mourning the impact of the day’s events, also stands united in hope for the recovery of the injured.
In the end, the celebration of freedom, which was meant to be a joyous occasion, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the necessity for vigilance in public spaces. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the well-being of the victims and the lessons that can be drawn from this unfortunate accident.
