The facts occurred early Sunday morning at La Louvière, 25 kilometers west of Charleroi. There are at least twelve serious injuries and many lightweight injuries.
Le Monde with AFP
A car darkened on the crowd participating in a carnival, early in the morning Sunday, March 20, in the city of La Louvière in Belgium, killing six people and hurting twelve other, said Jacques Gobert, the mayor From this municipality of 80,000 inhabitants between Mons and Charleroi, in the south of the country. The reasons for this act are not known for the moment.
The facts occurred around 5 o’clock this Sunday morning, close to Stress-Bracquegnie Omnisports Hall, a section of the western town. According to a press release from the municipality, a group of a hundred people had just come out of the hall to go back to the village center when a driver drew in the crowd arriving from behind. “A car that rolled in vivid pace darken in the crowd that had gathered to attend the collection of Gilles. The driver then continued his way, but we intercepted it,” said Gobert.
“There are no words, it’s the horror”
The initial record made four deaths and twelve wounded, but, according to the emergency unit of the municipality, the balance sheet rolled in the morning at six deaths. The number of wounded is, on the other hand, still uncertain at this stage. According to the RTBF , the occupants of the vehicle were stopped.
“There are no words, it’s horror. Being on the spot sometimes after the disaster, see these bodies scattered on the road, people who are suffering. You can not imagine that it can exist and, unfortunately, that’s what happens. There are no words, it’s dramatic, “reacted the mayor on RTL info
The communal emergency plan has been triggered. “We have put the municipal gym available to families, and the victim support service has also been activated,” said Jacques Gobert.
The circumstances of the collision between the car and the crowd have yet been elucidated. A press conference will be held in the morning. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo has expressed support. “Horrible news from Strépy-Bracquegnies. A community that gathered to party was hit in the heart. My thoughts go to the victims and their loved ones. All my support also goes to emergency services for their help and assistance brought, “he tweeted.
The city of the Louvière launched its Carnival period in early March, after two years without carnival because of the epidemic due to SARS-COV-2. The Carnival of Strupy-Bracquegnies must be held from March 20 to 22.