Key Points:
- Nine people injured, three in critical condition at trauma centers
- Incident occurred during Nunspeet’s annual Christmas lights parade
- 56-year-old local female driver detained with minor injuries
- Police investigating possible technical malfunction or medical emergency
- Mayor expressed deep sorrow, parade immediately halted after crash
A joyous Christmas parade in Nunspeet, a picturesque town in eastern Netherlands, transformed into a scene of chaos and tragedy on Monday night when a speeding car plowed through barricades and into thousands of spectators. The annual Christmas lights parade, a beloved tradition in this quiet community located about 80 kilometers from Amsterdam, drew families and visitors despite freezing temperatures hovering around minus 2 degrees Celsius.
The vehicle, described by witnesses as a compact silver sedan, veered off the main road around 8:45 PM local time, just as a brightly illuminated float passed the town center. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, the car accelerated suddenly, smashed through wooden barricades, and careened into the densely packed crowd with devastating force. Panic erupted as screams replaced Christmas carols, and parents frantically searched for their children in the confusion.
Emergency services responded within minutes, with at least six ambulances, multiple fire crews, and police units converging on the scene. Paramedics established a triage area near the crash site, treating victims on the spot before transporting them to hospitals. The Gelderland police confirmed that nine people suffered injuries ranging from fractures to severe trauma, with three victims airlifted to a major trauma center in critical condition. The remaining six injured individuals received treatment at local hospitals, with two undergoing surgery overnight.
9 injured (3 serious) after car plows into crowd at Nunspeet, NL light parade on Elburgerweg ~7PM.
— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) December 22, 2025
Police: No intent, accident; probe ongoing. Mass ambulances, helis on scene. Lichtjestour halted. #Nunspeet #Netherlands #lichtjesparade pic.twitter.com/1q6wZ8GtD1
Authorities detained the 56-year-old female driver, a Nunspeet resident who sustained minor injuries in the crash. Police spokesperson Marleen van der Berg stated that while the investigation remains in its early stages, preliminary evidence suggests the incident was not intentional. Investigators are examining whether a mechanical failure, a possible medical emergency, or driver error caused the catastrophic loss of control. Footage from national broadcaster NOS showed the damaged vehicle with its hood completely open, its front end crumpled from the impact.
Mayor Jan Nathan Rozendaal visited the crash site shortly after the incident, his voice trembling as he addressed gathered reporters. “What should have been a moment of unity and joy has become a night of mourning for our close-knit community,” he said, offering his deepest sympathies to victims and their families. The mayor announced that the parade would remain suspended indefinitely and that counseling services would be available throughout the week at community centers.
Police have established a dedicated hotline for witnesses and are analyzing video footage from multiple angles to reconstruct the complete timeline. The investigation team expects to release preliminary findings within 48 hours, though a full technical examination of the vehicle may take longer. Residents have begun leaving flowers and candles at the crash site, creating a makeshift memorial as the community grapples with the tragedy that marred their cherished holiday celebration.
