Four dead & seven 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 speed at a carnival in Belgium.
More than 20 others were seriously injured in the 5am smash in Strépy-Bracquegnies near La Louvière in the province of Hainaut, 27 miles south of the capital Brussels.
The vehicle is said to have “accelerated” into the group of performers, who were preparing a parade, 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.”
Those injured had been from carnival group Les Boute en Train and were on their way into the centre of the nearby village La Louvière when tragedy struck.
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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.”
“We heard an immense noise…and the car literally went into the group of people,” said Bel RTL reporter Fabrice Collignon, who witnessed the event.
“A speeding car drove into the crowd…The driver then continued on his way, but we intercepted him,” said Gobert.
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.
It wasn’t immediately known what the cause of the tragedy was.
“All we know is that a car drove at high speed into the crowd,” Gobert said.
“Was it a deliberate act or not? The investigation will tell.”
Belgium has sought to root out people suspected of militant links over the past seven years. A Brussels-based Islamic State cell was involved in attacks on Paris in 2015 that killed 130 people and on Brussels in 2016 in which 32 died.
So far, there is no suggestion that the tragedy was terror-related.
A press conference is being held at 11am local time (10am GMT).
Belgium’s king and prime minister will both travel to Strépy-Bracquegnies at 4pm local time later today.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Sunday morning: “Horrible news from Strépy-Bracquegnies. A community gathering to celebrate was struck in the heart
.”
Elio Di Rupo, Walloon Minister-President, added: “It is with a very heavy heart that I discover the news from Strépy-Bracquegnies this morning.
“My heartfelt thoughts go out to those who died, families affected and injured. This day was meant to be a time of reunion and celebration after so many difficult months.”
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This year’s carnival was the first of its kind in three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was due to start on Sunday and continue through to Wednesday.