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What happened in the Strépy-Bracquegnies carnival crash?
On 20 March 2022, during Carnival Sunday in the small Walloon village of Strépy-Bracquegnies, Belgium, a driver plowed his car into a crowd of carnival participants, killing seven people and injuring dozens. The driver, Paolo F., was convicted on 12 June 2026 by a Belgian assisen court (jury trial) of seven counts of intentional manslaughter. Sentencing is scheduled for the following week.
The crash occurred around 5:00 AM local time as approximately 150–200 members of the local carnival group Les Boute en Train were gathering outside a sports hall to begin a traditional door-to-door parade. Witnesses reported that the car approached from behind at extreme speed, struck the group, and continued for another 100 meters before stopping. Six people died at the scene; a seventh later succumbed to injuries.
Reckless driving at 174 km/h with phone in hand
Investigators determined that Paolo F. was driving at 174 km/h in a zone where the speed limit was 50 km/h. At the moment of impact, he was holding a mobile phone in his hand, intending to record "a fun video" of the drive, according to his earlier testimony. The vehicle, a powerful car that had been illegally modified to increase its performance, became what the jury described as "a weapon" and the road "a playground."
The driver, then in his early thirties, admitted to speeding but claimed he never intended to kill anyone. During the trial, he addressed the court: "I am aware that I drove like a madman. I want to say that I never meant to cause deaths, I never wanted this." He also offered apologies to the victims and their families.
The legal process: Belgian assisen court
In Belgium, serious crimes such as murder, manslaughter, and sexual offenses are tried in an assisen court, composed of twelve lay jurors and three professional judges. The jury decides both guilt and sentence. The trial for this case was held in the expo halls in Mons (Bergen), drawing large crowds. The reading of the verdict was delayed by nearly half an hour because so many people were waiting outside to enter.
The verdict of guilty on seven counts of intentional manslaughter was read on 12 June 2026. According to a VRT reporter, Paolo F. showed little emotion during the reading. The sentencing phase will determine the length of his prison term, which in Belgium for multiple manslaughter can range up to life imprisonment.
The case has sparked widespread debate about road safety and traffic laws in Belgium, particularly regarding illegal vehicle modifications and the use of mobile phones while driving. Many have called for stricter penalties for reckless driving that results in fatalities.
Victims and community impact
The victims were all members of the local carnival association Les Boute en Train, a group deeply rooted in the community's cultural traditions. The deceased were identified as Mario Cascarano (56), Michelina Imperiale (54), Salvatore Imperiale (56), Frédéric Cicero (42), Laure Gara (49), and Frédéric D'Andrea (46). A seventh victim died later in hospital. Ten others were seriously injured, and approximately 30 more suffered minor injuries.
The tragedy sent shockwaves through Belgium and beyond. King Philippe visited the village shortly after the crash, and then-Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called it "horrible news", stating that "a community gathering to celebrate had been hit in the heart." A terrorist motive was ruled out early in the investigation.
The victims' families exercised their right to speak during the trial, delivering emotional statements about their loss. The courtroom in Mons was packed with relatives and supporters, reflecting the profound impact of the incident on the local community.
This case has become a landmark in Belgian jurisprudence, highlighting the legal consequences of reckless driving and the role of jury trials in delivering justice for mass casualty events.
FAQ: Belgian carnival crash verdict
What was the driver's speed at the time of the crash?
The driver was traveling at 174 km/h in a 50 km/h zone.
How many people died in the Strépy-Bracquegnies crash?
Seven people were killed. Six died at the scene, and one later in hospital.
What charges was Paolo F. convicted of?
He was found guilty of seven counts of intentional manslaughter (doodslag) by a Belgian assisen court.
When will the sentence be announced?
The sentencing is scheduled for the week following the verdict, which was delivered on 12 June 2026.
Was the car modified illegally?
Yes, the vehicle was illegally tuned to increase its power, which the jury cited as a factor in the crash.
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