A 63-year-old woman has died in the municipality of Oudenaarde (East Flanders) after a 20-metre-tall Christmas tree on the town square fell on her, Mayor Marnic De Meulemeester stated.
There had been problems with the stability of the Christmas tree earlier in the day, and the town's Christmas market will now not be reopening as a result.
Around 19:00 on Thursday, the Christmas tree that stood on Oudenaarde's town square fell over due to a strong wind, confirmed De Meulemeester to VRT.
"Three people were injured in the process. The emergency services arrived at the scene and a woman was resuscitated," he explained. The woman's life was in danger and she was taken to hospital, but she died of her injuries. The two other victims (also women) came away with minor injuries.
A safety zone was set up and the fire brigade checked the underside of the tree. The East Flanders Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating the accident.
According to De Meulemeester, the 20-metre-tall tree was blown over by the strong wind. "The tree was standing firmly, but unexpectedly, there was very heavy rain and a local gust with wind force 6. As a result, the tree fell over near a Christmas market where many people were present."
There were problems with the Christmas tree earlier in the day: first, the wrong tree was delivered, then the tree started leaning to one side. It has now been removed.
Christmas cancelled
The Mayor has decided to close the town's Christmas market as a result.
"Everyone is affected by this serious incident," he continued. "Our condolences go out to the victim's family and friends. It is therefore only logical that we should not reopen the winter village with its Christmas market and attractions. We have also cancelled all other activities."
Flags have been flown at half-mast on municipal buildings and all activities around the Christmas market have been cancelled.
