UTRECHT – Utrecht is commemorating the tram attack on 24 Oktoberplein today. Exactly three years ago today, four people were killed and six people injured. The commemoration starts at 10.30 am and can be followed live on our website and app and via Radio M Utrecht Bingo FM, RTV Utrecht and on the Facebook and YouTube channel of RTV Utrecht.
Mayor Dijksma is at home with a corona infection and is not there himself. She describes it as “very annoying” that she can’t be there. “This is a moment that you have to be there. I am someone who is very precise about that, and if you have to let it go, that is very sour,” says the mayor. “Although it is much worse what happened,” emphasizes Dijksma.
‘Giant impact’
The past two commemorations were small-scale due to the corona measures. This year the audience can attend. “The city needs to commemorate together,” says Dijksma. Deputy Mayor Lot van Hooijdonk takes over the honors today.
Three years ago she was not yet a Utrechter, but the attack made a deep impression. “It had a gigantic impact, it was unprecedented for the Netherlands. We have known political attacks, but they were much more focused on one person. That someone randomly makes victims for a terrorist motive was a shock to many people.” describes Dijksma.
Commemoration on the 24 October Square
The commemoration starts at 10.30 am with a poem and a speech, after which at 10.43 am the Dom sounds four bells, one for each victim, and a minute of silence is held. The meeting will take place at the memorial site that the municipality set up after the attack, on the square.
Anyone can attend the memorial. Dijksma says that it is also possible for the public to lay flowers. “That is always possible, and today also all day,” said the mayor.