At least four killed in Belgium after train collides with school minibus

At least four people, including two minors, have died after a passenger train collided with a school minibus at a level crossing in Belgium on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred in Buggenhout, in the province of East Flanders, approximately 30 kilometres north-west of Brussels. Emergency services were deployed shortly after 8am local time following reports that a train had struck a minibus transporting schoolchildren.

Belgian authorities confirmed that those killed included two teenagers, the driver of the vehicle and another adult passenger. Two further people were seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment. The vehicle was carrying children and adults en route to a special educational needs school when the collision took place near Buggenhout railway station. Officials confirmed that passengers were inside the minibus at the time of impact, prompting an emergency response involving rescue and medical teams at the scene.

Rail Operator Confirms Crossing Systems Active

Belgian rail infrastructure operator Infrabel said initial findings indicated that the level crossing barriers were down and warning systems were active when the collision occurred. Investigators are reviewing technical data and CCTV footage from the crossing in an effort to determine how the minibus came to be on the tracks. Infrabel spokesperson Thomas Baeken said the train driver had begun braking as the train approached the station area, but was unable to stop in time to prevent the collision.

The impact caused significant damage to the minibus, which was struck at the crossing. Around 100 passengers were travelling on the train at the time. Belgian authorities confirmed that no serious injuries were reported among those on board, although several passengers were treated for shock following the incident. Rail services in the area were suspended while emergency crews and investigators worked at the site.

Emergency Response and Recovery Operations

Firefighters, police and paramedics were sent to the scene after the collision was reported. Rescue teams worked to secure the area and assist those involved in the crash. The railway line was closed to allow emergency operations and subsequent investigation work to take place. Authorities confirmed that injured passengers were transported to hospital for treatment. The condition of those seriously injured has not been publicly detailed.

The crash site was secured while forensic teams carried out initial examinations of the crossing and surrounding infrastructure. Rail operator Infrabel and federal investigators are continuing to collect evidence, including technical readings from the crossing system and data from the train itself. Officials said this material will form part of a wider investigation into the circumstances of the collision.

Official Reactions and National Response

Belgium’s Interior Minister Bernard Quintin described the collision as a tragic accident and expressed condolences to the families of those who died. Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden and Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke also issued statements of sympathy and praised the emergency services who responded to the incident.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe stood in solidarity with Belgium following the deaths of children and adults in the crash. Authorities confirmed that support services had been made available for those affected, including counselling for families and school communities linked to the victims.

Investigation Into Cause of Collision

Federal police, prosecutors and railway safety specialists have launched a formal investigation into the incident. Authorities said they will examine whether human error, mechanical failure or another factor contributed to the collision at the crossing. Investigators are expected to analyse CCTV footage, witness statements and technical data from both the train and the crossing infrastructure. The aim is to establish how the minibus entered the railway tracks while safety systems were reportedly active.

Belgian prosecutors said further details will be released once initial examinations are complete and those involved have been interviewed. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims. The incident has renewed attention on railway level crossing safety in Belgium, which operates one of the densest rail networks in Europe. While safety improvements have reduced fatalities in recent years, serious collisions involving vehicles and trains continue to occur.