The investigation into the deaths of three people watching a monster truck display in Haaksbergen is likely to take several days, the NRC says on Monday afternoon.

Two adults and a five-year-old boy were killed when a giant truck crushed several cars as part of a stunt but then appeared to career into the crowd. The organisers say the brakes may have failed or the accelerator may have jammed.

Safety expert Syan Schaap told the paper there have been several serious incidents at similar rallies in recent years because both local councils and event organisers are not properly prepared.

Space

‘The organisation was properly carried out. We work with professional teams who state how much space they need. You do not assume things will go wrong,’ organiser spokesman Geerlof Kanis told the NRC.

However, Dutch media reported earlier the event did not meet international agreements from the Monster Truck Racing Association which state security zones have to be clearly defined.

In addition, the audience should be no closer than 30 metres to a truck head on, and turns should be made in areas without spectators. In Haaksbergen, spectators were gathered around the entire course.