The authorities indicated that the cause of the collision was initially unclear, and a formal inquiry has been launched, according to the public prosecutor’s office.
Authorities reported on Tuesday that a train collided with a school minibus in northern Belgium, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including two children, in what was described as a «horrific accident.»
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The crash, occurring at a railway crossing in Buggenhout, a Dutch-speaking town approximately 25 kilometres northwest of Brussels, left another five schoolchildren injured.
«A tragic collision between a train and a school bus happened in Buggenhout this morning. Four casualties were confirmed, including two children,» Belgium’s deputy prime minister Maxime Prevot posted on X.
Photos from the Flanders region showed the school minibus severely damaged and overturned alongside the railway, while emergency responders had set up tents nearby.
The commuter train was stationary on the tracks as forensic experts inspected the location.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed on social media his profound grief over the horrific accident, extending condolences to the families affected.
The public prosecutor’s office stated that the cause of the accident remains unclear, and an official investigation has been initiated.
Infrabel, Belgium’s rail infrastructure company, reported that recordings from the event indicate that the crossing barriers were lowered and a red signal was active at the time of the crash.
«The collision was extremely forceful,» commented Frederic Sacre, a spokesperson for Infrabel, in a statement to AFP, noting that the train was moving at 120 kilometres per hour.
«The minibus was propelled approximately 15 metres into a metal pillar,» he added.
‘Tragic accident’
Officials revealed during a press briefing that the minibus carried seven students from a school dedicated to children with learning disabilities.
Two pupils, aged 15 and 12, died upon impact alongside the 49-year-old driver and a 27-year-old supervisor, as confirmed by Lisa De Wilde, a representative for the prosecutor’s office.
The remaining five children sustained serious injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital where their condition was reported as stable, she stated.
According to police spokeswoman An Berger, none of their lives are currently at risk.
There were no injuries reported among the train passengers.
Bernard Quintin, Belgium’s interior minister, shared his profound sorrow over the «tragic accident» on X, offering his sympathies to the victims and their families.
«I send my wishes for strength to those injured,» he added, also acknowledging the efforts of the emergency teams.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her condolences as well, describing herself as «heartbroken» by the incident.
«My sincerest sympathies go to the families and loved ones of those affected,» she posted online.
«Today, Europe mourns together with Belgium.»
Additional sources • AFP