Belgium carnival: Six killed and dozens injured as car crashes into crowd at high speed

More than 100 people were gathered on Sunday morning in Strepy-Bracquegnies when tragedy struck

Witnesses and relatives of victims outside a sports hall that was turned into an emergency centre for medical and police support (AFP)

A car has crashed into carnival performers, killing six people and seriously injuring 10 others in a small town in southern Belgium.

Crowds of around 150 people were gathered at dawn on Sunday for an annual parade in Strepy-Bracquegnies, some 30 miles south of Brussels.

The incident is not being considered as terror-related, prosecutor Damien Verheyen said, as he also denied reports that the crash involved a car being chased by police.

"A speeding car drove into the crowd. The driver then continued on his way," said Jacques Gobert, mayor of the neighbouring town of La Louviere

After crashing into the crowd, the vehicle attempted to drive off but was intercepted by police.

The two people inside the car, locals in their 30s, were detained.

A large police security perimeter on the site where a car ran into a group of carnivalists in Strepy-Bracquegnies (AFP)

Reporter Fabrice Collignon, who witnessed the incident, said: “We were in a long straight line and there was more or less 150 people. We heard a huge noise coming from behind the company and the car literally drove into the group of people.

“It’s a scene I never thought I’d see in my life. Everyone was on the ground. People were screaming. There was music and smiles and, three seconds later, it was screaming. It was horrible.”

Interior minister Annelies Verlinden expressed her sympathies with the families of the victims, and said the situation was being closely monitored.

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

“What was supposed to be a great party turned into a tragedy.”

King Philippe and prime minister Alexander De Croo are expected to visit the scene on Sunday afternoon.