Stories from Belgium

A vehicle drove into a carnival crowd in Belgium. The incident resulted in casualties, with reports indicating at least one death and eight injuries. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested.

A BMW traveling at speeds exceeding 170 km/h drove into a group of approximately 150 people gathered for a carnival. Witnesses described horrific scenes involving blood, ambulances, and police presence. Mayor Jacques Gobert described the human toll as very heavy.

The pedestrian tunnel under the Scheldt in Antwerp will be closed for at least 10 months starting tomorrow. The closure is required to facilitate necessary renovation works on the structure.

The European Union and the United States have common interests in jointly addressing various conflicts, including the one in Ukraine. Despite differing views, the US remains a partner in the alliance. Both entities have achieved results through joint actions.

The trial for the Strippy-Brachny accident began today in Mons. The case concerns a March 20, 2022, incident where a vehicle struck a group of Gilles, resulting in 7 deaths and approximately 40 injuries. Two individuals, driver Paolo Falzone and passenger Antonino Falzone, are in the dock for the proceedings. The Mons assize court moved to the local courthouse for the trial. The trial of Paolo Falzone opened in Mons on Monday morning. Falzone faces charges related to seven murders and 81 attempted murders, according to a lawyer for the civil parties. The proceedings mark a moment for the victims' families.

The 75th edition of the Queen Elisabeth Competition is set to begin in Brussels. This year's competition is dedicated to the cello. There are no Belgian participants scheduled to compete in this edition. The event is described as one of the most and difficult musical competitions in the world. The competition will run until June 10. RTBF will provide coverage of the various stages through both radio and television broadcasts. The station's news platform, RTBF Actu, will offer information on the candidates and the instrument.

Belgium has appointed its first sepsis coordinator to manage the body's overreaction to infections. The appointment follows a national plan developed after a report by Pano two years ago. The role aims to improve rapid recognition of sepsis to prevent amputations and save lives. The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to address the life-threatening condition. The transcript mentions this as a public health measure. The plan aims to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

The European Commission has released the 'Accelerate EU' strategy to enhance the EU's energy self-sufficiency. The European Union is accelerating measures to protect citizens and businesses while reducing reliance on external energy sources.

Two months after an explosion, which judicial authorities qualified as a terrorist act, the synagogue on Rue Léon-Frédéric has reopened. The street was completely cordoned off for the occasion, with only a select few guests attending the reopening ceremony.

Britain has agreed to pay £1 billion annually for continued access to the European Union market.