Man dies after being hit by metal ball during "Highland Games" event in Dutch castle
A man died Sunday after being hit by what local media reported was likely a "hammer" used in an event at a Highland Games tournament at a castle in the southeastern Netherlands.
East Brabant Police said in a tweet that a 65-year-old local from Geldrop died "after being hit by a metal ball in use at a sporting event."
A medivac helicopter and other emergency services sent to the scene were unable to save the man, police said, adding that they are investigating the incident.
Local broadcaster Omroep Brabant said it happened at the Open Highland Games, which was being staged at Geldrop Castle, and that the event was halted after the incident.
One witness told the outlet that the victim was not a spectator of the Highland Games and was walking through one of the castle gardens.
"He didn't see it coming," the witness said.
Highland Games are sporting tournaments originating in Scotland where competitors take part in events including tossing the caber — throwing a large wooden pole — and the hammer toss — throwing a metal ball attached to the end of a wooden handle, that looks like a hammer.
A call to the castle where the event was being held went unanswered Sunday.