Mother of Strépy Crash Driver Sparks Outrage in Court

The mother of Paolo Falzone, the man accused of killing seven carnival-goers in the 2022 Strépy-Bracquegnies crash, caused an uproar in a Belgian courtroom on Wednesday after reportedly dismissing the distinction between one and two victims, saying “One or two, what difference does it make?” The remark, made during her testimony at the Cour d’Assises of Hainaut in Mons, drew sharp rebuke from the presiding judge and intensified tensions in an already emotionally charged trial.

Background: The Strépy Tragedy

On 20 March 2022, Paolo Falzone (38) drove his BMW at 174 km/h through the village of Strépy-Bracquegnies in Hainaut province, plowing into a group of Gilles — traditional carnival participants in red and yellow costumes — who were walking in procession in the early morning. Seven people were killed instantly or died shortly after, and dozens were injured. Falzone was filming himself on his phone at the time and continued driving for over a kilometer with victims on his hood before stopping, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.

Falzone now faces charges of seven counts of homicide and 81 counts of attempted homicide. His trial, which opened on 4 May 2026, is being held at the Lotto Mons Expo exhibition halls due to the unprecedented number of civil parties — over 180 victims and their families are participating.

The Mother’s Controversial Testimony

Silvana (64), a seamstress who purchased the BMW for her son, took the stand on Wednesday. During cross-examination by lawyer Jean-Philippe Mayence, who represents approximately 140 civil parties, the court discussed whether one or two victims had been thrown onto the car’s hood. One victim, Salvatore Imperiale (56), died. Another, Fifa Ricotta (62), survived but is permanently disabled.

When pressed on the distinction, Silvana reportedly responded: “One or two, what difference does that make?” The comment sparked immediate outrage in the courtroom. Even the presiding judge, Martine Baes, felt compelled to respond: “We do see the difference, madam,” according to RTBF.

Throughout her testimony, Silvana sought to portray her son as a non-violent, respectful young man. “I know Paolo is not a violent boy,” she said. She claimed she believed he drove 80 to 90 km/h where 50 was permitted, not 174 km/h, despite acknowledging that she knew he “liked to press the gas pedal.” She also said she was unaware that the car’s engine had been modified from 292 to 355 horsepower, insisting: “Paolo knew very well that I would have said no.”

The Father’s Testimony

Salvatore Falzone, the defendant’s father, confirmed that he knew about the engine modification but said he did not intervene. “I told him I didn’t agree with it. But it had already happened, I couldn’t do anything about it,” he told the court, as reported by HLN.

A Contrast: The Sister’s Testimony

Katia Falzone, Paolo’s younger sister, delivered a markedly different testimony that was far better received. Speaking with visible emotion, she acknowledged the victims’ suffering and described her own trauma, including turning to alcohol after witnessing the scene. “I know this tragedy has affected so many families and left immense wounds. My thoughts go to the families, the victims, and those who still suffer today,” she said, according to RTBF.

Community Impact and Legal Stakes

The crash devastated the small community of Strépy. Residents interviewed by VRT NWS described a clear “before and after” in their lives. Antonio Gava, a local councillor and Gilles participant who was injured in the crash, said: “How can you drive 170 km/h in these small streets? This is not an accident, this is murder.”

The central legal question before the jury is whether Falzone acted with intent to kill — which would constitute murder — or whether the deaths were the result of unintentional homicide. The prosecution argues that driving at 174 km/h through a populated area while filming constitutes intent. The defense maintains it was a tragic accident.

What’s Next

The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks, with a verdict anticipated in late June 2026. The mother’s dismissive remark has added a new layer of tension to proceedings, and it remains to be seen whether her testimony will harm the defense’s case. Meanwhile, the community of Strépy continues to grapple with a trauma that, as one resident put it, “will never fully heal.”