Tragedy strikes in Belgium as festive giant Christmas tree topples over, killing one
The accident occurred around 1 p.m. Eastern Time, during a busy period at the Oudenaarde market. The gusty winds caused the Christmas tree to collapse onto visitors of the Belgian fair, including three people who ended up beneath its branches.
2:43 PM EST, December 22, 2023
A woman aged 63 passed away after she was rushed to the hospital. Two other individuals sustained minor injuries but are not in any life-threatening danger.
Upon witnessing the tree fall, fair attendees hurriedly came to rescue the victims. An impressive group of 20 people were able to lift the tree prior to the arrival of the first dedicated rescue units. They successfully extracted two victims, but the third required the assistance of specialist forces to be safely removed.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim," said Mayor Marnic De Meulemeester, who took the decision to close down the traditional Christmas fair following the tragedy.
Christmas tree collapses onto people at Christmas fair
As reported by the newspaper "Nieuwsblad", the sizeable tree fell perilously close to "Winter Village", a children's attraction at the event. The playground's fence was damaged by the incident, with many children present at the time. Thankfully, none of them were injured.
"The causes of the incident are currently under investigation," assured De Meulemeester. The local prosecution service has taken over the investigation, which will extensively analyze whether due diligence was taken during the decoration installation and if sufficient safety measures were put in place for the fair's attendees.
