What should have been a pleasant barbecue party for the local ice club IJsclub de Kom, turned out to be a complete disaster, emphasizes Aptroot in an interview with RTV Rijnmond. At the moment, many people involved still live in great uncertainty, because it is still not clear exactly how many fatalities have occurred. Police confirmed on Saturday that at least two people were killed. After the truck has been cleared, the police can determine this number with certainty. ,,I have spoken with a number of those involved. Some people are extremely concerned because they don’t know what’s going on with their family member or close friend,” Aptroot says.
He spoke to people who could bring themselves and their children to safety, while they had also seen how others were not so lucky. “There is great sadness and uncertainty. This is really a disaster,” he emphasizes. The acting mayor spent a lot of time on Saturday with those involved. Not only with victims, but also with their relatives and friends.
According to Aptroot, the people in the area are very involved with each other. “A type of village where caring for people comes first. We don’t let go of each other here,” he says. And that is actually your first task as mayor, says Aptroot.