In Oudenaarde, Belgium, a severe storm led to a catastrophic event on Thursday, December 21, when a 66-foot Christmas tree toppled over, killing a 63-year-old woman and injuring two others. The incident took place in the town square, near a vibrant Christmas market. As Storm Pia swept across western Europe with powerful winds, the tree, an iconic element of the market, began to lean dangerously and ultimately collapsed. The incident, recorded by security cameras, showed the lit tree falling close to a merry-go-round in operation.
First responders discovered the deceased woman, a resident of Oudenaarde, at the scene, while two other local women received minor injuries.
The situation prompted immediate scrutiny of the safety protocols in place, with a focus on the tree’s anchoring in the face of the storm.
Earlier, Storm Pia had caused disruptions in the UK and the Netherlands and hit western Belgium hard. The regional weather service had issued a yellow warning for coastal areas due to anticipated high winds and heavy rainfall.
The Oudenaarde Christmas market, a center of holiday celebrations, was closed following the tragedy. An investigation into the cause of the accident and the security measures for the tree is underway.
