Four dead & 20 seriously injured after car ‘accelerates into crowd’ at carnival in Belgium
AT least four people have been killed after a car ploughed into a crowd at a carnival in Belgium.
More than 20 others were also injured in the 5am smash in Strépy-Bracquegnies near La Louvière in the province of Hainaut.
The vehicle is said to have “accelerated” into the group as they heard “an immense noise” behind them.
There have been four confirmed fatalities, one reportedly a child.
Seven others have been seriously hurt, and at least 15 people suffered minor injuries and are being treated by paramedics.
A nearby sports hall has been transformed into an emergency centre, local media reports.
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Brussels-based radio station Bel RTL reported: “There were about 150 of us in a long, straight street.
“We heard an immense noise behind us and a car literally drove into the group of people. It was a scene that I never imagined.
“The car accelerated and by the time we realized something was up, everyone was on the ground. People were screaming, it was terrible.”
The crowds had been from carnival group Les Boute en Train and were on their way into the centre of nearby village La Louvière when tragedy struck.
La Louvière Mayor Jacques Gobert said: “There are no words for this, it is horrible.
“I arrived shortly after the disaster. Seeing those bodies scattered on the road, you can not imagine that something like this can happen here and yet it happened.”
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And Belgian politician Annelies Verlinden tweeted: “Deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured in the incident this morning in Strépy.
“What was supposed to be a great party turned into a drama. We are monitoring the situation closely.”
The driver of the car has been arrested, it has been reported.