Four people, including two children aged 12 and 15, have died after a train collided with a school minibus in the Belgian town of Buggenhout on Tuesday morning.
The tragic accident happened shortly after 08:00 local time while the minibus was transporting students to a special education school in northern Belgium.
According to Belgian authorities, the vehicle was carrying seven children, a 49-year-old driver, and a 27-year-old chaperone at the time of the crash.
Federal police spokeswoman An Berger said the minibus had been travelling along a road beside the railway before turning onto a level crossing where the safety barriers were already lowered.
Moments later, an approaching train struck the vehicle at high speed.
Officials said the train was travelling at around 90km/h when the collision occurred. The impact pushed the minibus into a nearby pole before throwing it onto the driveway of a house close to the railway crossing.
The driver, the chaperone, and two children lost their lives in the crash.
The remaining five children on board were taken to hospital in critical but stable condition, according to prosecutors.
Authorities have opened an investigation to determine exactly how the accident happened.
Belgian Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke confirmed early reports that the crossing barriers had been down before the collision took place.
Rail network spokesman Thomas Baeken said initial CCTV footage also showed warning lights flashing red at the crossing before the crash.
He explained that the train had already begun slowing down as it approached Buggenhout station.
“No one yet understands how this could have happened. The investigation will establish the facts,” Baeken said.
No passengers on the train were injured, although one person received treatment for shock following the incident.
The tragedy has prompted reactions from political leaders across Belgium and Europe.
Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir described the incident as heartbreaking and offered condolences to the victims’ families and everyone affected.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed sympathy, saying Europe was mourning alongside Belgium.
Belgium’s King Philippe thanked emergency workers for their response and sent his support to all those impacted by the disaster.
Buggenhout Mayor Geert Hermans ended a press briefing with a minute of silence in memory of the victims.
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