Paolo Falzone guilty of seven counts of manslaughter over Strépy-Bracquegnies tragedy
The Hainaut Court of Assizes has found Paolo Falzone guilty of seven counts of manslaughter for the fatal collision that struck a carnival procession in Strépy-Bracquegnies in March 2022. The jury delivered its verdict on the question of guilt on Friday.
Falzone was also found guilty in connection with dozens of injured victims. However, the jury ruled that there was no premeditation in the death of carnival participant Frédéric D'Andrea.
In its reasoning, the jury stated that "Paolo Falzone turned his powerful car into a weapon. The road was a playground for him." The court also noted that the BMW involved in the crash had been illegally modified.
Antonino Falzone, Paolo Falzone's cousin and passenger at the time of the incident, was found guilty of negligent omission.
The tragedy occurred on 20 March 2022, when Paolo Falzone drove through a built-up area at a speed of 174 kilometres per hour before ploughing into a group of carnival-goers taking part in a Gilles parade. Seven people were killed, and dozens more were injured.
The trial now moves to the sentencing phase. Falzone faces a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
The accused Paolo Falzone pictured during the verdict session of the trial of P. and A. Falzone, at the Court of Appeal of Mons, on Friday 12 June 2026. © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR
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