Tomorrow, it will be two weeks since a car hit the carnival procession in Strépy-Bracquegnies. The tragedy left 6 dead and dozens injured. Some are still hospitalized today. This is the case of Florian, 28 years old. After undergoing several operations, he is now out of danger.
He has absolutely no memory of the terrible accident at Strépy-Bracquegnies. But considering his injuries, Florian feels lucky to be here today. “I was plunged into a kind of artificial coma. I had a hematoma that was compressing my brain. As a result, I had to operate on part of the cranial box so that the hematoma did not compress the brain and was reabsorbed as quickly as possible. I will be operated on Friday the 8th, to put back the part of my skull that they removed from me.”
Another operation and then neurological examinations to check if there are any sequelae. Time will still be necessary to heal physically but also morally. “I try to move forward but the human losses are very hard to accept. It still weighs. It’s very hard to live with, especially for my friends who have lost their mothers. It’s very complicated. I try to put myself in their shoes and help them as much as possible. Psychologically, it’s not easy at all.“
I’m only focusing on Florian for now
That day, Florian had decided to put on Gille’s traditional dress once more, which he hadn’t done for 16 years. His parents had helped him prepare and were present in the motorcade at the time of the accident. For them, it is a terrible ordeal to see their son seriously injured that day. However, they prefer not to dwell on the subject today. “It’s fear. Anger, maybe that will come at some point, but I don’t want to pollute my mind. I’m only focusing on Florian for now. And since his evolution is positive day by day, it helps us to hold on. The rest is for later.”
Florian wants to stay positive. He now has only one wish: to enjoy life once more. He would also like to thank all the people who support him. “I prefer to stay in my bubble. I thank once once more all my friends, acquaintances and relatives who send me messages. It is thanks to them that I manage to move forward and get back on my feet.”
Florian will be operated on once more next Friday. If all goes well, he will finally be able to leave the hospital on Wednesday, April 13.
