A tragic accident in Belgium claimed the lives of at least four people, including two children, after a train collided with a school minibus on Tuesday morning.
According to officials, the accident happened near the town of Buggenhout, located around 23 kilometers from Brussels.
The victims included two children aged 12 and 15, the minibus driver, and an adult accompanying the children. Two other people were seriously injured in the crash.
What Happened?
Authorities said the collision occurred at a railway level crossing at around 8:08 AM local time. The minibus, carrying seven children, was hit by a train that was approaching a nearby station.
According to railway infrastructure operator Infrabel, security barriers at the crossing were functioning properly and had already come down before the crash happened.
The impact of the collision was extremely severe. Reports said the minibus was thrown nearly 15 meters after being struck by the train.
An Infrabel spokesperson described the incident as “dramatic” due to the intensity of the crash and the loss of lives.
Reactions From Officials
Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin expressed deep sadness over the tragedy and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen said she was heartbroken by the news and stated that “Europe grieves with Belgium.”
Belgium’s Railway Crossing Safety Concerns
Belgium has one of Europe’s densest railway networks and has witnessed several accidents at level crossings over the years.
According to official railway data, five people lost their lives in level crossing accidents in Belgium last year the lowest number recorded since 2020.
The latest tragedy has once again raised concerns over road and railway crossing safety in the country.
Final Thoughts
The train and school bus collision near Buggenhout has shocked Belgium and left several families grieving. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident.
The incident serves as another reminder of the importance of railway crossing safety and strict transportation precautions to prevent such heartbreaking tragedies.
