2023-12-22 12:28:48
The Christmas tree installed at the Oudenaarde Christmas market in East Flanders was blown away by a strong gust of wind this Thursday evening around 7 p.m. Three people were under the twenty meter high conifer. One of them, a 63-year-old woman, had to be resuscitated. She finally succumbed to her injuries, we learned in the evening.
“The three people who were under the tree were taken to hospital“, declared Mayor Marnic De Meulemeester (Open Vld). “One of the victims has unfortunately died in the meantime.“The other two people were slightly injured, according to the VRT. A security perimeter has been set up and firefighters are examining the area.
The tree was firmly planted, but it flew away due to a sudden gust of force 6 wind observed very locally, said mayor Marnic De Meulemeester (Open Vld).
Our colleagues from the VRT published on their site images of a video in which we see the tree collapse. They also explain that the Christmas tree installed in Oudenaarde had already raised questions. First because the wrong tree was delivered, then because the one installed was sagging.
The East Flanders public prosecutor’s office attended the scene and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the accident. Reports of previous issues with the shaft and possible stability issue will be investigated, but “are part of the investigation“, we told the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office on Thursday evening.
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