Falzone Trial Witness Testimonies Begin for Strépy-Bracquegnies Carnival Crash
The trial of Paolo Falzone has entered a critical phase at the Hainaut Assize Court in Mons, Belgium, with witness hearings commencing for the March 2022 Strépy-Bracquegnies carnival tragedy. Falzone faces seven murder charges after driving into a crowd, killing seven and injuring dozens. Forensic experts testified to severe victim injuries, while eyewitnesses described an apocalyptic scene where the vehicle accelerated without braking. Approximately 270 witnesses will testify through May 28, providing crucial evidence against Falzone and his passenger, who is charged with failure to assist.
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Witnesses Describe 'War Scene' at Falzone Trial for Strépy-Bracquegnies Carnival Crash
New witness testimonies were presented at the Hainaut Assize Court during the trial of Paolo Falzone, accused of causing a deadly car crash at the Strépy-Bracquegnies carnival in 2022. Witnesses described the incident as a waking nightmare and a war scene, with bodies lying in lamentable states after Falzone’s vehicle pierced the crowd at speeds exceeding 100 km/h. One witness recounted experiencing a psychological tunnel effect, stating her brain shut down to protect her from the horror. Multiple attendees confirmed that the defendant did not brake before impact; instead, some alleged he accelerated to escape the crowd. The tragedy, which occurred during the first post-pandemic carnival celebration, resulted in seven deaths. The courtroom atmosphere was heavily emotional, with victims and witnesses detailing the sudden transition from a festive mood to macabre chaos. These testimonies aim to establish the intent and actions of the accused during the fatal event on rue des Canadiens.
Le SoirWitnesses Describe 'Apocalyptic' Scene at Falzone Trial for Strépy-Bracquegnies Tragedy
The Hainaut Assize Court heard harrowing testimony from witnesses of the March 20, 2022, Strépy-Bracquegnies tragedy, where Paolo Falzone drove a BMW into a Gilles parade crowd. Witnesses described an apocalyptic scene, noting the vehicle accelerated without braking before plowing into participants. One father stated he heard only acceleration, while his son recounted seeing bodies thrown like confetti and the car driving over a fallen performer. Another witness, Noah, compared victims falling to bowling pins, with his father emphasizing that the engine noise drowned out the parade music in the well-lit street. The testimonies highlighted the severe physical and psychological toll on survivors. One victim, who suffered crushed feet and a concussion, still struggles with mobility and has lost her job due to the injuries. The proceedings, occurring more than four years after the incident, continue to expose the brutal impact of the crash on the community and individual lives, as the court examines the actions of Paolo Falzone and his father Antonino, who were present in the courtroom.
Le SoirWitnesses Describe High-Speed Crash at Strépy-Bracquegnies Carnival During Falzone Trial
The Hainaut Assize Court has commenced witness hearings for the trial concerning a fatal car accident at the Strépy-Bracquegnies carnival. Defendants Paolo Falzone and Antonino Falzone face charges related to the tragedy. Witnesses provided harrowing accounts of the incident, describing the vehicle as driving like a 'Fangio,' referencing the famous Formula 1 driver, indicating excessive speed. One witness recalled hearing a loud 'boom' upon impact and seeing people thrown into the air. Another testimony detailed the immediate aftermath, including a victim being run over by the restarting vehicle and the subsequent silence. The emotional toll was highlighted by a parent whose child suffered head trauma and developed epilepsy following the event. Approximately 270 witnesses are scheduled to testify until May 28, providing crucial evidence for the court. The proceedings aim to reconstruct the events of that night, focusing on the driver's actions and the resulting casualties among the carnival participants.
Le SoirFalzone Trial: Forensic Experts Detail Severe Injuries of Carnival Crash Victims
During the trial of Paolo and Antonino Falzone, forensic doctors provided harrowing testimony regarding the injuries sustained by victims of the March 2022 Strépy-Bracquegnies carnival accident. The experts described a extensive list of traumatic injuries, including fractured bones, cerebral hemorrhages, and severe polytrauma, which caused six victims to die almost instantly. A seventh victim, Christine Chavrepierre, passed away two and a half years later due to complications from her injuries. Dr. Philippe Dewaele and Dr. Alain Duverger presented autopsy findings, noting that some victims were crushed under the vehicle driven at high speed by Paolo Falzone. The medical examiners highlighted extreme whiplash mechanisms, rating the severity as ten out of ten. The graphic presentation of medical evidence plunged the courtroom into silence, with Paolo Falzone visibly distressed and his co-accused brother Antonino hiding his face. The testimony aimed to establish the kinetic forces involved and the specific causes of death, such as chest trauma compatible with crushing, amidst the chaotic aftermath of the incident.
Le SoirFalzone Trial: Witness Testimonies Begin at Hainaut Assize Court
The trial of Paolo Falzone has entered a new phase at the Hainaut Assize Court in Mons, Belgium, with the commencement of witness testimonies. Following initial proceedings that examined the defendants and expert analyses, the court is set to hear from approximately 270 witnesses, including eyewitnesses and character witnesses, through May 28. Paolo Falzone faces charges of seven counts of murder and 81 attempted murders for driving his car into participants of the Strépy-Bracquegnies carnival in March 2022. His passenger, Antonino Falzone, is charged with failure to assist persons in danger. Recent expert testimony revealed that Paolo’s accelerator was fully depressed until seconds before the collision at 105 km/h, contradicting his claim of braking. Additionally, evidence showed he was filming his speedometer during the incident. The defendant previously described himself as an 'autophile' and expressed regret for not understanding the consequences of his dangerous driving earlier. This phase marks a critical step in dissecting the events surrounding the tragedy that shocked the local community.
Le SoirFalzone Trial: Forensic Experts Testify Before Witness Hearings Begin
The trial of Paolo Falzone has entered a new phase at the Hainaut Assize Court, beginning with testimony from two forensic doctors before hearing approximately 270 witnesses. The proceedings address the March 2022 Strépy-Bracquegnies carnival accident, where Falzone’s vehicle struck participants. Paolo Falzone faces charges of seven murders and 81 attempted murders, while his passenger, Antonino Falzone, is charged with failure to assist persons in danger. Previous sessions revealed that Paolo Falzone, described as an 'autophile,' was filming his speedometer on his phone during the incident. Automotive expert Marc Van Lierde testified that the accelerator remained fully depressed until seconds before the collision at 105 km/h, contradicting Falzone's claim that he braked heavily. Had he braked as claimed, impact speed would have been significantly lower. The court will hear from eyewitnesses and character witnesses until May 28. Falzone expressed regret for not understanding the consequences of his dangerous driving prior to the tragedy. This phase marks a critical step in dissecting the facts surrounding the fatal crash that killed Gilles and injured many others.
Le Soir