Strépy Trial: Driver Admits Mad Driving, Denies Intent

Paolo Falzone, the man accused of driving into a carnival procession in Strépy-Bracquegnies, Belgium, in March 2022, told the court on Wednesday in his final statement: “I realize I drove like a madman, but I did not want to kill anyone.” The jury has now retired to deliberate on 322 questions, with a verdict expected on Friday, 12 June 2026.

The trial, which began on 4 May 2026 at the Lotto Mons Expo in Mons, has been one of the most closely watched cases in Belgium. Falzone, approximately 38 years old, faces charges of manslaughter for six victims, murder for one victim, and 81 counts of attempted manslaughter. He faces a sentence of 20 years to life in prison if convicted.

The Tragedy

On the early morning of 20 March 2022, Falzone was driving his black BMW 5 Series — illegally tuned from 292 to 355 horsepower — along the Rue des Canadiens in Strépy-Bracquegnies when he plowed into a group of approximately 150-200 Gilles carnival participants who were gathering door-to-door in traditional procession, as VRT NWS reported.

The vehicle was traveling at up to 174 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. Falzone was filming a video for social media on his phone while driving moments before the crash. He had a blood alcohol level of 0.6‰, slightly above the legal limit of 0.5‰.

Seven people died in the tragedy: Vito Cascarano, Michelina Cascarano, and Salvatore Imperiale — three members of the same family, leaving their daughter and niece Lorena Cascarano orphaned instantly; Frédéric D’Andrea, a Gille who was scooped onto the hood, carried 86 meters, fell off, and was run over; Laure Gara; Frédéric Cicero; and Christine Chavrepierre, a schoolteacher who died 2.5 years later from sepsis caused by her injuries. More than 38 others were injured.

The Trial and Key Evidence

Auto expert Marc Van Lierde testified that the Gilles were visible from approximately 190 meters away. If Falzone had braked immediately and fully upon seeing the crowd, his speed at impact would have been just 34 km/h, and he would have driven only 3-4 meters into the group — potentially avoiding casualties entirely, as RTBF reported.

Behavioral experts described Falzone as an “autophile” — a car lover with an egocentric, sensation-seeking, and immature personality — but found no psychiatric disorder. They concluded he had full control of his actions at the time of the incident.

During the trial, surveillance footage showed that after the crash, both Falzone and his passenger, Antonino F., exited the vehicle. Falzone called his mother rather than emergency services. Neither provided aid to the victims. Antonino F., who faces charges of failure to render assistance, told the court: “I hope this trial will help the victims process this drama. I place my fate in the hands of the jury.”

Final Statements and Legal Arguments

In his final words, Falzone said: “I am aware that I drove like a madman, like an irresponsible person. I want to say that I never wanted to cause deaths. I find it difficult to express myself. I never wanted this.”

The prosecution argues that Falzone acted with intent to kill, citing his extreme speed, failure to brake adequately, and decision to continue driving through the crowd after the first impact. Victims’ lawyer Elena D’Agristina told the court: “He chose to drive through the crowd while he saw bodies flying. He chose not to brake hard.”

Defense lawyer Frank Discepoli countered that there was no premeditation and asked the jury to apply the legal principle of “in dubio pro reo” — benefit of the doubt. He argued for a conviction of culpable homicide rather than intentional killing.

What’s Next

The jury is now deliberating on 322 questions. A verdict is expected on Friday, 12 June 2026. If convicted of manslaughter, Falzone faces 20-30 years in prison; a murder conviction carries a potential life sentence. Nearly 200 civil parties are involved in the case, and compensation claims will follow the criminal verdict regardless of the outcome.

The case has sparked broader debate in Belgium about road safety, the consequences of reckless driving, and the legal distinction between manslaughter and murder in traffic incidents.