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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Dave Burke

Faces of the six people killed in Belgium after car ploughed into carnival crowds

These are the faces of six people killed by a speeding car at a carnival in Belgium.

A husband and wife, as well as the wife's brother, are among the victims of the tragedy, which saw a car driven into the middle of a crowd.

Three other victims all had ties to local football clubs, and their deaths have sent shockwaves through the country.

It happened in the early hours of yesterday morning in Strepy-Bracquegnies as organisers prepared for the event.

Two men, aged 33 and 32, have been arrested, but police say they do not believe it was a terrorist attack.

Micaela's brother Salvatore Imperiale was also killed in the incident (Facebook)

Husband and wife Mario Cascarano and Micaela Imperiale died as a result of their injuries, friends said.

A colleague of Mr Cascarano wrote: "We will miss you and your joie de vivre."

Micaela's brother Salvatore Imperiale was also killed in the incident, which happened at around 5am local time.

Tributes have been paid to trade union activist Salvatore, with pal Noemy Bastin writing: “You were always the first to get involved. You were a true militant. You leave a great void in our delegation.”

Also killed in the attack was football coach Fred Cicero, with tributes paid to him as news of his death broke.

Football coach Fred Cicero died in yesterday morning's suspected car attack (Facebook)

Mr Cicero was employed by L'Association des Clubs Francophones de Football (ACFF), which posted on Facebook : “The ACFF is in mourning.

“Fred Cicero is one of the victims of the Strépy tragedy. He was a valued employee of the 'Formation des Cadres' department. Rest in peace, Fred.”

The family of Laure Gara, a volunteer at football club RAEC Mons, confirmed she had died as a result of the incident.

Gillian Hermand, the communications manager at the club, said: “She was very involved, and always did her job with a smile. She loved the club."

Tributes have been paid to Frederic D'andrea (Facebook)

Frederic D'andrea has been named as the sixth victim of the attack.

Football club RAAL La Louvière, where Frederic was a steward, posted: “Words fail us.

"Our most sincere thoughts go out to Frédéric d'Andrea, admirable steward of the club, whose life was taken away in the early morning.”

His friend Chris Sallendre wrote: “I didn't want to believe it, it took me a while to realise it.

"You were so happy to be able to celebrate Carnival again, you were counting down the days. And then suddenly there was this madman. I don't even have words to write what I feel. Rest in peace, my friend.”

The family of Laure Gara (left) said she was among those killed in the incident (Flo Nurra/Facebook)

Belgium's King Philippe and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo visited the scene on Sunday afternoon

"Our thoughts are with the victims and their relatives," said Mr Croo.

"Horrible news from Strépy-Bracquegnies. A community gathering has been attacked in the heart."

The pre-dawn ceremony in Strepy-Bracquegnieswas was meant to signal a return to public carnival following the Covid pandemic.

Describing how the car was travelling at high speed, local councillor Xavier Papier said: ‘What was supposed to be the return of the joy of partying together turns into a horrible tragedy.

"This morning, we are all linked to Strépy-Bracquegnies, to the bereaved families and to those wounded by this horrific act."

The tragedy happened in the early hours of Sunday morning (Twitter)

Olivier Destrebecq, another local councillor, said: "Horror and dread has this morning surrounded the Strépy-Bracquegnies carnival.

"Appearing out of nowhere, a car speeded into the crowd that had gathered. A heartfelt thought for these people and their families."

And MP Sophie Pécrials said: "I have no words ! It was meant to be a Sunday of celebration, reunions, and smiles. Now it’s a black Sunday for everyone in the region."

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