Four Dead After Train Collides With School Minibus at Railway Crossing in Belgium

A tragic collision between a train and a school minibus in Buggenhout has left four people dead and several others seriously injured, sending shockwaves across Belgium and prompting an outpouring of grief from leaders and the public.

Authorities confirmed that two children, aged 12 and 15, along with two adults, lost their lives after the accident occurred at a railway level crossing shortly after 8:00 a.m. local time. The minibus was reportedly transporting students to a special education school when the crash happened.

According to Belgian federal police spokesperson An Berger, the vehicle was carrying seven boys, a 49-year-old driver, and a 27-year-old chaperone at the time of the incident. The children who died were later identified as residents of the nearby town of Bornem.

Initial investigations indicate that the minibus had been travelling along a road parallel to the railway before turning onto the level crossing while the safety barriers were already lowered. Moments later, an approaching train travelling through Buggenhout collided violently with the vehicle.

Officials said the impact was devastating, with the train reportedly moving at approximately 90 kilometres per hour. The force of the crash threw the minibus into the driveway of a nearby home after it struck a pole.

Belgium’s mobility minister, Jean-Luc Crucke, confirmed reports that the warning barriers at the crossing had been activated before the collision occurred. Additional information from railway network spokesperson Thomas Baeken suggested that CCTV footage showed the crossing lights were red and the barrier was down before the minibus entered the tracks.

Five other children who were on the bus survived the crash and were rushed to hospital in critical but stable condition, according to the public prosecutor’s office.

Thankfully, no passengers on the train suffered physical injuries, although one individual was treated for shock following the incident. Emergency services and investigators remained at the scene for hours as authorities worked to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The accident has sparked widespread sorrow throughout Belgium and beyond. Zuhal Demir described the incident as heartbreaking, expressing condolences to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the disaster.

Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen also reacted publicly, saying Europe was mourning alongside Belgium following the devastating crash.

The tragedy has renewed conversations around railway crossing safety and transportation measures for school vehicles, especially those carrying children with special educational needs. As investigations continue, the nation remains focused on supporting the injured children and grieving families affected by one of Belgium’s most heartbreaking transport accidents in recent years.