The gist This Thursday, in the bays of the town of Oudenaarde in Belgium, a 63-year-old woman died after being crushed by a huge 20-meter-high Christmas tree. The city is in shock and an investigation has been launched.
This Thursday, December 21st, a terrible tragedy occurred in the streets of Oudenaarde (Belgium). According to our colleagues at RTBF, a 63-year-old woman died after being crushed by a Christmas tree about twenty meters high. According to the initial findings of the investigation, the tree fell due to a strong gust of wind in the early evening. Three people were crushed to death by the conifer. “The tree was strong, but there was unexpectedly heavy rain and a local wind gust of force 6. This caused the tree to fall near a Christmas market where many people were present,” said Oudenaarde mayor Marnic De Meulemeester .
“The three people who were lying under the tree were transported to the hospital. “Unfortunately, one of the victims has now died,” explained the mayor. At the scene, rescue workers tried unsuccessfully to revive the 63-year-old woman. The other two victims suffered minor injuries.
According to several testimonies reported in the Belgian press, the tree collapsed just a few days after it was erected. “Ten minutes before the tree fell, we called the city technical service and reported that we saw the tree moving,” a resident told VRT NWS media. “Everyone is affected by the serious incident. Our condolences go out to the victim's family and friends. “It is therefore more than logical that we do not reopen the winter village with its Christmas market and attractions,” the mayor continued. The Fleurance public prosecutor's office sent teams to the scene to make initial findings. An investigation has been launched.