A 20-meter-high Christmas tree toppled over on Thursday evening, claiming the life of a 63-year-old woman and leaving two others injured in the heart of the Belgian city of Oudenaarde.
The incident occurred amidst the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market, where locals and visitors alike were enjoying the holiday spirit.
Security camera footage, widely circulated by Belgian news media, captured the harrowing moment when the towering Christmas tree, adorned with bright lights, slowly leaned and then collapsed near the bustling Christmas market.
Adding to the surreal scene, a merry-go-round continued to spin on the historic town square as the tree fell.
The victim, identified as a 63-year-old woman from Oudenaarde, lost her life in the tragic incident.
Two other women from the same town suffered light injuries during the unexpected calamity.
Authorities from the Oost-Vlaanderen province prosecutor’s office have initiated an investigation into the incident.
The primary focus of the inquiry will be to determine whether the Christmas tree had been adequately secured.
Additionally, investigators will assess the potential impact of the adverse weather conditions at the time of the incident.
The timing of the incident coincided with Storm Pia’s sweep through western Belgium, which had already disrupted traffic in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands on Thursday.
The Belgian weather service had issued a yellow code warning for coastal areas, indicative of challenging weather conditions.
As the community grapples with the shock of this tragic event, questions are being raised about the safety measures in place at festive gatherings.
The investigation aims to provide answers and ascertain responsibility in this heart-wrenching incident that has cast a shadow over the joyous holiday season in Oudenaarde.