The national tribute to the victims of the fatal accident which occurred on Sunday in Strépy-Bracquegnies began on Saturday at noon in the presence of the bereaved families and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden, Walloon Minister-President Elio Di Rupo and the mayor of La Louvière, Jacques Gobert.
The national meditation began at 12:00 p.m. on the forecourt of the town hall of La Louvière. After the signing of a register of condolences, a moment of speech is planned, followed by a tribute in music. Many public figures made the trip. “When we see a situation like this, we are under total emotionsaid Elio Di Rupo, Minister-President of the Walloon region. And it is an emotion that goes far beyond the framework of Strépy-Bracquegnies. Of course, it’s Louvière, but also the entire Center region. We feel solidarity with all the victims and their families.” The Minister-President considers that a national tribute has an important role to play in the expression of solidarity and can help the relatives of the victims in their mourning process. “Grieving is very complicated given the circumstances, the brutality of the facts, recalls Elio Di Rupo. A part of yourself is leaving. We can’t integrate it quickly, it takes a lot of time.”
Many residents of La Louvière and the surrounding area also went there, with family and friends too. At 12:30 p.m., all participants observed a minute of silence.
In the afternoon, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo comforted a crying lady with a hug.
Six dead and 39 injured
In the early hours of Sunday morning, a car traveling at high speed hit a carnival group, killing 6 and injuring 39. Three victims were buried this Friday in the cemetery of Haine-Saint-Pierre, after a mass, and two others will be buried on Saturday in Maurage. A minute of silence in memory of the victims will also be respected in each carnival of the entity, add the municipal authorities. These tributes will be paid from 11.30 a.m. in Houdeng and from 1 p.m. in La Louvière during the roundel. A cannon shot fired by an artificer will mark the beginning of the minute of silence.
More information in a few moments.