The Belgian Public Prosecution Service announced this at a press conference this morning.
In the car, a black BMW, were Paolo F. And his cousin Nino. Early in the morning they drove into people who were preparing for a carnival procession in the village.
In addition to six dead, 37 were also injured, ten of whom are in serious condition. The mayor of Strépy-Bracquegnies fears the death toll will rise.
Images from the Belgian SudInfo show how the carnival-goers walked on the street, after which a car appears at an enormous speed.
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For a long time it was unclear which of the two was driving and whether they were under the influence or not. It is now known that Paolo was behind the wheel. The thirty-somethings had gone out and both had too much alcohol in their blood.
According to Belgian media, F. seems to have drunk three to four glasses, his companion a lot more. Further investigation is required to determine whether the two had also used narcotics.
The exact cause of the drama is still under investigation. According to eyewitnesses, F. made no attempt to brake. After the collision, he also drove for a while, before pulling over the car with a shattered windshield.
The police see no reason to think of an act of terror and were not chasing the car, she assures.
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F. already lost his driver’s license for five years in 2017, but it is not clear for what reason. He got it back after new driving tests. On social media, the man shows a predilection for speed, the Belgian news agency Belga notes. The Public Prosecution Service also points to this.
Paolo will remain in custody for the time being, the investigating judge has determined. The driver is suspected of an offense comparable to culpable homicide. He could face five years in prison.
Co-driver Nino is at large. He was sleeping and does not remember anything before the fatal blow, his lawyer told the Belgian RTL. Because the two drove on and the co-driver was not concerned about the victims, he can also receive a prison sentence.
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