Shocking moment Christmas tree topples over and crushes woman, 63, to death at festive market

The tree toppled over near a Christmas market in the Belgian city of Oudenaarde in the midst of a heavy storm, which brought strong winds.

Security footage shows the well-lit 66ft Christmas tree toppling over before collapsing next to the Christmas market on Thursday.

The victim was a 63-year-old woman, according to the Oost-Vlaanderen province prosecutor.

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“The investigation will focus on whether the tree had been properly secured and will also look at the impact of the weather,” a spokesman said.

Two more women were injured by the tree. Their injuries are not life-threatening.

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Storm Pia has caused chaos across Europe, including the Netherlands, where a woman was killed by a falling tree on Thursday.

Meanwhile, in the UK, the weather has contributed to travel chaos across the country, with a number of aeroplanes struggling to land during strong winds.