The driver of a giant truck which killed three people and injured 28 in Haaksbergen in March is to face a charge of manslaughter.

The truck, which was part of a monster truck festival being held in the town, crushed several cars as part of a stunt, but then ploughed into the crowd. Two adults and a five-year-old boy were killed.

The organisers of the festival, Sterevenementen, are also being prosecuted for manslaughter, but the council, which licensed the event, is not being charged.

Haaksbergen mayor Hans Gerritsen, who said there was nothing wrong with the licensing of the event, resigned two weeks ago.

The driver´s lawyer told the NRC that his client, Mario D, ´does not understand´ why he is being charged. ´He says there was nothing he could do because the accelerator got stuck.´

The case begins on September 1.