A 63-year-old woman has died after a Christmas tree weighing several tonnes was blown over by a gust of wind in the East Flemish town of Oudenaarde. Two other people were slightly injured in the tragic incident that happened on the town's main square where a Christmas market is being held. Previously there had already been issues with the stability of the Christmas tree.
The tree toppled over at around 7pm on Thursday. The Mayor of Oudenaarde Marnic De Meulemeester (liberal) told VRT News that three people were injured, one of whom seriously.
Paramedics revived the seriously injured victim, and she was taken to hospital in a critical condition. She later died of her injuries. The two other victims, both of whom were only slightly injured, are also women.
The area around the tree was cordoned off by the Fire Service to allow the East Flemish Judicial Authorities to investigate the cause of the accident.
Mayor De Meulemeester told VRT News that the 20-metre-high tree blew over due to high winds.
