Multiple people have died after a school bus collided with a train in Belgium. The crash, which also left several people injured, occurred at around 8:15 a.m. local time (7:15 a.m. GMT) on Tuesday at the crossing on Stationsstraat in Buggenhout.
Victims Confirmed
Belgium’s transport minister, Jean-Luc Crucke, confirmed that two teenagers, the bus driver, and another adult were among those killed in the collision, which he described as 'tragic.' He said: 'My first thoughts are with the victims, but also with those who were injured and their families.'
Details of the Crash
Images of the crash showed a vehicle, believed to be the bus, flipped onto its side. Rail operator Infrabel stated that the barriers to stop traffic as the train passed were down, and warning lights were active when the collision occurred. It is understood that around 100 passengers were on the train, while nine people—the driver, an attendant, and seven secondary school-aged children—were on the bus.
According to local news outlet VRT News, the children were attending a school for special needs children. Police confirmed that the incident 'mainly concerns children from secondary education.'
Official Reactions
Belgium’s justice minister, Annelies Verlinden, expressed her grief, saying 'words fail' to describe her feelings. In a social media post, she wrote: 'My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the victims, the children, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy today. I wish everyone much warm closeness. Thank you to the emergency services and the police for their swift intervention and their sustained efforts on site. The prosecutor’s office is of course also continuing to follow up on this accident.'
Investigation and Support
Local news outlet De Morgen reported that the minibus was transporting pupils to a school offering special education, equivalent to SEND in the UK. Police stated that family members were being informed personally first and were being cared for and supported at a nearby school. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
