Sint-Truiden (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A truck collided with a fairground ride at Luikerstraat on Tuesday night, resulting in a huge emergency operation and an investigation into how the truck went off the road and ended up crashing into the structure. There was still no official death toll or cause determined by authorities at the time of writing, but it didn’t take long for local officials and emergency teams to take action.
What happened on Luikerstraat?
Crews of emergency services responded to the area of Luikerstraat on account of information received concerning the crash of a goods vehicle into a fairground attraction during working hours. The collision caused damage to a section of the structure of the ride and resulted in debris littering the vicinity, causing the closure of adjacent stalls and the roads around the scene while the authorities cordoned off the scene. There were a number of casualties, who were initially assessed on the scene before being taken to hospital.
How did authorities respond?
A cordon was drawn by the police in order to ensure that the onlookers stayed back and did not hamper the rescue teams comprising paramedics and firemen. Traffic diversions were made as investigators started studying the last journey of the vehicle with the help of its skid marks and CCTV footage if any, available from the business establishments around the fairground. A traffic accident expert was expected to be a part of the investigation team in order to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Why was the fairground operating at that time?
This attraction formed part of the kermis, a traditional street festival that attracts families and the youth in the evenings. These types of events require licensing from the local government and are also inspected for safety issues prior to their being opened. However, what is important to note at the moment is the involvement of the vehicle within the premises and not how the ride itself operates. The investigation will, however, still look into whether proper barrier systems were in place.
What have officials said so far?
Local officials stressed that the priority was caring for the injured and securing the area before drawing conclusions. A municipal spokesperson said,
“Our first concern is the wellbeing of those affected; all necessary support is being provided while authorities work to establish the facts.”
Police reiterated that the scene remained active and asked the public to avoid the area.Â
A police representative added,
“We urge residents to follow official channels for updates and to refrain from sharing unverified images or speculation.”
Emergency services confirmed that multiple units remained on site into the evening as cleanup and evidence collection continued.
