Four killed after car rams into crowd in Belgium

At least four people have died after a car rammed into a crowd in southern Belgium.

The incident occurred in the small town of Strépy-Bracquegnies, about 30 miles (50 km) south of the capital Brussels.

The car reportedly hit a group of carnival performers preparing for a parade on Sunday at high speed.

“We have a few dozen injured and unfortunately several people dead,” the town’s mayor, Jacques Gobert, told RTBF radio station.

It is reported that at least 12 people were seriously injured after the accident. The occupants of the car have been arrested, police said.

The circumstances of the incident are still unclear, but some local media reports suggest it may have been after a police chase.

Authorities are working to establish whether a terrorist attack can be ruled out, Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said.

“Deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured in this morning’s incident,” he wrote on Twitter.

“What was supposed to be a big party turned into a tragedy,” he added. “We are monitoring the situation closely.”