A devastating early-morning collision between a passenger train and a school minibus in the small Belgian town of Buggenhout has left four people dead, including two schoolchildren and two adult staff members, authorities have confirmed. The crash unfolded just after 8 a.m. local time (6 a.m. GMT) at a manned level crossing in the town, which sits northwest of Brussels near the city of Aalst, according to federal police spokesperson An Berger.
At the time of impact, the minibus was transporting seven children, one driver, and one adult chaperone en route to a local special education secondary school. Berger confirmed that no physical injuries were reported among passengers and crew on the train, though one individual on board received medical care for acute shock following the incident.
Photographs captured at the accident scene show the mangled minibus resting on its side off the tracks, a stark visual of the tragedy that has shaken the local community. Belgian Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke, who first confirmed that the crossing’s safety barriers were already lowered at the time of the collision, offered his immediate condolences to all those affected. “My first thoughts are with the victims,” Crucke said in a statement shortly after the crash.
Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir also echoed the sorrow of national and regional leaders, sharing her reaction on public social media. “What heartbreaking news,” Demir wrote. “My thoughts are with all the victims, their families and everyone closely involved.” Local emergency services rushed to the scene immediately after the collision to extract casualties and secure the area, with investigations into the exact cause of the crash now underway.