Four people, including two children, have been killed in Belgium after a school minibus collided with a train at a level crossing near Buggenhout in Flanders. Five other children were seriously injured in the crash, which occurred just after 8am on Tuesday.
The minibus was carrying children to a special educational needs school when it attempted to cross the level crossing despite lowered barriers and a flashing red light. The train driver applied emergency brakes but could not avoid the collision.
Belgium's transport minister Jean-Luc Crucke confirmed the deaths of two young people, the bus driver and an adult chaperone. The injured children were taken to hospital and are in stable condition. The train, carrying around 100 passengers, reported no injuries.
An investigation is under way. Infrabel, the rail network operator, said it was unclear how the accident happened. Belgium has seen a decline in level crossing accidents, with five deaths in 2024, but this incident has prompted widespread condolences, including from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
