Six killed as car hits revellers in Belgian town

Six people were killed when a car crashed into revellers in a small town in southern Belgium.

A crowd of more than 150 people had gathered in Strepy-Bracquegnies, 30 miles south of Brussels, at dawn on Sunday for the start of celebrations of a carnival which had been cancelled for the past two years due to coronavirus.

Ten people injured in the incident are said to be in a life-threatening condition.

Mayor Jacques Gobert told RTBF radio: “A car drove from the back at high speed. We have a few dozen injured and unfortunately several people who are killed.”

The driver of the car and a second person were arrested when the vehicle came to a halt following the crash.

The prosecutor’s office denied media reports that the crash may have been caused by a car that was being chased by police.

Belgian interior minister Annelies Verlinden said: “What should have been a great party turned into a tragedy.”

King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo are expected to visit the area later on Sunday.