Yes, there was that too. This airport was in no way geared for this. The controllers and the entire airport were at a disadvantage. Even with all the other factors, if the KLM had not taken off without a clearance, it still had a halfways decent chance of working out with no collision.
There was a couple who lived several blocks away who were killed in that collision. I did not know them, but from the time I learned of the accident and their involvement, and to this day, I feel great sadness when I pass that house. Such a tragedy happening on what was to be a wonderful vacation. Many of the local victims are buried in the same cemetery where my parents and grandparents are, and there is a nice memorial for them.