THE HAGUE – The 38-year-old Dutchman who killed five people and injured 12 during Queen's Day celebrations in Apeldoorn has died.

The unemployed security guard drove his car at high speed into a crowd who had gathered for the annual Queen's Day royal procession in the central city of Apeldoorn around noon (1000 GMT).

The car missed the royal coach by 15 metres and came to a standstill when it crashed into a well-known monument.

Two men and two women died shortly after impact, while one of the 13 injured died later in hospital.

"At the moment of first contact with police on the ground, the man indicated that his action was aimed against the royal family," justice official Ludo Goossens told journalists in Apeldoorn.

"There are no indications of terrorist links," Goossens said, nor are there signs of explosives or of a broader conspiracy.

Investigators searched the man's house to try and establish a motive. He had no record of mental illness or previous crimes.

Apeldoorn mayor Fred de Graaf said 13 people were injured – five of them seriously, and one of whom has since died. Three among the injured were children aged nine, 15 and 16.

"The injured were taken to six hospitals in the region, where they are being treated," the mayor said.

They include two members of the police.

Some suffered head trauma, but most had bruises and broken bones.

Television footage showed members of the royal family, in an open top bus, clutch their hands to their mouths in shock as the car sped through barricades right before their eyes and rammed into the monument, leaving injured people and battered bicycles in its wake.

Beatrix, Crown Prince Willem Alexander and his wife Maxima were among the royals taking part in the procession.

The car, as seen on television footage, appeared to have already been heavily damaged before slamming into the monument.

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