UPDATE - 6 dead, over 30 injured after car rams into Belgium carnival crowd

UPDATES DEATH TOLL; ADDS DETAILS; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK

By Selen Temizer

BRUSSELS (AA) – At least six people were killed and more than 30 injured when a car slammed into a carnival crowd in Belgium on Sunday.

The incident took place early morning at around 5 a.m. local time (0400GMT) in Strepy-Bracquegnies, a small town some 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Brussels.

At least 10 people were seriously wounded and 24 more suffered slight injuries, local media reported.

Prosecutors said two people in their 30s have been arrested and there was no evidence yet to suggest a terror motive, according to the reports.

Earlier, Jacques Gobert, mayor of the nearby town of La Louviere, said the car drove on after hitting the crowd but was intercepted.

Eyewitnesses told local media that around 150 people were gathered at the carnival site when the car rammed into the crowd.

“We heard a loud noise behind us … and the car plowed into a group of people,” a witness said.

“Dreadful news from Strepy-Bracquegnies. A community gathering to celebrate was struck right in the heart,” Prime Minister Alexander De Croo wrote on Twitter.

“My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. All my support also goes to the emergency services for their help and assistance provided,” he added.

Local media reported that De Croo and Belgium’s King Philippe will be visiting the area.

Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden also conveyed her “deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured in the incident this morning.”

“What was supposed to be a great party turned into a tragedy. We are monitoring the situation closely,” she said on Twitter.