EINDHOVEN: Several people were killed and many injured in an incident when a truck rolled into a street party in the town of Nieuw Beijerland in the south of the Netherlands on Saturday.

“At least two people have been killed. Victims have been taken to hospital,” the Netherlands police said in a statement. “There are currently still deceased victims under the truck.”

The incident happened on Saturday evening around 6pm when a truck drove off the Zuidzijdsedijk. Police said the investigation was still ongoing and the area has been cordoned off.

“A large neighborhood barbecue was going on downstairs on the Zuidzijdsedijk. A truck, which hit the dike for unknown reasons, ended up in the middle of it. The emergency services were there quickly and are still present in large numbers,” it said.

“At some point, a truck went off the road and crashed into the party,” police spokesperson Elianne Mastwijk told local media. The cause of the incident could not be ascertained, he said, adding that police could not tell the actual number of casualties as the truck was not impounded from the site of the incident for investigation.

The investigation is still under way.

The driver was arrested and immediately transferred to a police station, the police claimed and described the person as a 46-year-old man from Spain. “He has been arrested for involvement in the incident. His role is being investigated. For the time being, we are keeping all scenarios about the facts open.”

Police added that shelter has been arranged for the people. Victim support is also involved. “They will also be ready for those involved in the coming days.”

Charlie Aptroot, the acting mayor of Nieuw-Beijerland, termed the incident a “terrible disaster”.

“My heart goes out to the victims, their families, witnesses and first responders. Met a lot involved, appreciation for the way people are there for each other,” he said in separate social media posts on Twitter and Facebook.