Status: 03/20/2022 10:41 a.m
A car drove into a group of people at a carnival event in Strépy-Bracquegnies, Belgium. At least six people were killed and many injured. The police are currently assuming an accident.
In the early morning in the Belgian town of Strépy-Bracquegnie, a driver drove his car into a group of people. According to the police, at least six people were killed ARD-Correspondent in Brussels, Roman Rusch, reported. There are seven seriously injured and 15 slightly injured. The mayor had previously spoken of twelve people who were seriously injured – and regarding 20 with minor injuries.
Around 100 people had gathered to celebrate carnival once more following a two-year Corona break.
It has not yet been finally clarified whether it was an accident or whether the vehicle was deliberately driven into the group of people. According to Rusch, the police are currently assuming an accident. According to the mayor, the driver initially drove on, but was then stopped. The Belgian municipality of Strépy-Bracquegnies is located regarding 40 kilometers southwest of Brussels and, according to the overriding city of La Louvière, recently had almost 9,000 inhabitants.
Drama instead of party
A moderator from the Belgian radio station RTL, who took part in the carnival event, reported on dramatic scenes. According to him, the car drove into the middle of the crowd. “There was music and laughter and three seconds later there were screams. It was terrible,” the broadcaster quoted him as saying.
According to the mayor of La Louvière, the municipal emergency plan was triggered and the victim support service activated. Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden wrote on Twitter that her deepest condolences go to the families and friends of those killed and injured. “What was supposed to be a great party turned into drama.”
