Four people, including two children, were killed when a school minibus collided with a train at a level crossing in northern Belgium on Tuesday. The incident occurred near the town of Buggenhout in Flanders, prompting a full investigation.
Details of the Collision
The crash happened just after 8 a.m. when the minibus attempted to cross the level crossing despite lowered barriers and a flashing red light. The train, traveling from Bruges to Buggenhout, applied emergency brakes but could not avoid the collision. The impact overturned the minibus and threw it into the driveway of a nearby house.
Victims and Injuries
Belgium's transport minister, Jean-Luc Crucke, confirmed the deaths of two children, the bus driver, and an adult chaperone. The children were aged 12 and 15, the chaperone was 27, and the driver was 49. Five other children in the minibus were taken to hospital with serious injuries but are in stable condition.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including ambulances and a helicopter, responded to the scene. The train carried about 100 passengers, none of whom were injured, though one was treated for shock. Passengers were evacuated to a local fire station.
Reactions and Condolences
Local officials expressed deep sorrow. Kurt Moens, the East Flanders politician responsible for the school, said: "What could have been a beautiful spring morning suddenly turned into a pitch-black day." Belgium's prime minister, Bart De Wever, wrote on X that he was "deeply moved by the horrific accident." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "Today, Europe grieves with Belgium."
Safety Context
Belgium has one of Europe's oldest railway networks and a history of level crossing accidents, though numbers have declined. In 2024, five people died and nine were seriously injured in 30 accidents, historically low compared to an average of 45-50 between 2008 and 2021. Infrabel has removed 450 level crossings in 21 years, leaving about 1,600.
The investigation continues to determine how the accident occurred.
