The city of Eindhoven and the Ministry of Defence have formally apologised for the Hercules disaster, an air crash in 1996 that killed 34 people.
Eindhoven mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem offered an apology on behalf of the city during a sombre ceremony at Eindhoven Air Base 30 years after the incident.
Dutch air force commander André Steur also spoke, saying that survivors “did not receive the clarity, recognition, and support” they needed.
On July 15, 1996, a Belgian Lockheed C-130 Hercules encountered a flock of birds as it attempted to land at Eindhoven airport. The plane, carrying 41 people including the Royal Netherlands Army Band, overshot the runway and crashed.
A fire broke out on board and the passengers were unable to open the emergency doors. Thirty-four people died.
Firefighters did not realise how many passengers were on board, delaying rescue operations.
