Four Dead After Train Collides With School Minibus in Belgium

Two schoolchildren and two adults have been killed after a train collided with a school minibus at a level crossing in Buggenhout, Belgium. The crash happened despite the barriers being down, according to authorities. The minibus was carrying children to a special education school when it was struck, leaving several others affected. Officials have expressed condolences and an investigation has been launched into how the accident occurred.

Two schoolchildren and two adults have been killed after a train collided with a school minibus in Buggenhout, Belgium, in a devastating accident that has shocked the local community.
The crash happened shortly after 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT) at a level crossing in the small town near Aalst, northwest of Brussels. Belgian authorities confirmed that the safety barriers at the crossing were down at the time of the incident, indicating that the train was already approaching when the collision occurred.
Despite this, the school minibus carrying seven children, a driver, and a chaperone was struck by the train as it crossed the tracks. The impact was severe, causing the vehicle to overturn and come to rest on its side near the crossing. Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene, where they worked to assist survivors and secure the area.
Federal police spokesperson An Berger confirmed that no one aboard the train was physically injured, although one passenger was treated for shock following the traumatic incident. Authorities have not yet released full details on the condition of the injured survivors from the minibus, but confirmed that several children were among those involved.
The bus was reportedly transporting students to a special education school, with officials noting that most of the children on board were secondary school pupils. The suddenness of the collision has raised concerns about safety measures at railway crossings, particularly those used by school transport routes.
Belgian mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating that his thoughts were with the victims and their families. He confirmed initial reports that the barriers had been lowered and described the situation as extremely distressing for all involved.
Images from the scene showed the badly damaged minibus lying on its side, surrounded by emergency responders and debris, underscoring the force of the collision. The area was cordoned off as investigators began examining the site.
Flemish education minister Zuhal Demir also reacted to the incident, describing it as “heartbreaking news” and extending condolences to the families of those affected as well as the wider school community.
Authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash, including the functioning of the level crossing system, the timing of the train’s arrival, and whether all safety procedures were properly followed. The findings will be closely watched as communities seek answers following the tragic loss of life.