A car driver made an attempt to attack the Dutch royal family who were traveling on an open-topped bus in the city of Apeldoorn. They were visiting the city as part of the celebration of Queen's Day, a national holiday in the Netherlands.

The driver of the black Suzuki Swift appeared to be targeting the royal bus. The vehicle careered through the crowd and smashed into a monument just metres from the bus.

Witnesses recount seeing people being flung into the air as the car ploughed into the onlookers. Two men and two women died at the scene of the incident. Another person died later in hospital. Thirteen were injured.

According to a witness, many people narrowly escaped death as the car cut through the crowd.

The 38-year old driver sustained life threatening injuries. He indicated to police that his actions were directed against the royal family. If he survives, he will be charged with an attempted attack on the royal family and murder.

Dutch police have ruled out terrorism following a search of the man's car and home. It appears he acted alone.

There was a huge security operation in place for the royal visit to Apeldoorn. But the police were taken by surprise when the car smashed through a security fence and into a crowd of people.

Following the incident flags were lowered to half-mast on government buildings and all planned celebrations called off.

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