A tragic incident occurred this morning in Belgium as a passenger train collided with a school bus at a level crossing in Buggenhout. The collision resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The accident took place at around 8:15am local time at the crossing on Stationsstraat in Buggenhout, with rail operator Infrabel confirming that the safety barriers were down, and warning lights were activated at the time of the crash.
Reports indicate that approximately 100 passengers were on board the train during the collision. Images from the scene show the wreckage of an overturned vehicle, believed to be the minibus, with emergency services responding to the area swiftly.
Following the tragic event, Belgium’s justice minister expressed deep sorrow, stating that words fail to capture the magnitude of the incident. Annelies Verlinden extended her heartfelt sympathy to the victims, especially the children, their families, and all those impacted by the tragedy. She commended the emergency services and police for their prompt response and ongoing efforts at the scene, while ensuring that the prosecutor’s office is actively investigating the accident.
Local authorities confirmed that the minibus involved was en route to a special education school, primarily transporting secondary education students. Family members are being personally informed and supported at a nearby school. The emergency response at the railway crossing in Vierhuizen, Buggenhout, has been extensive since the collision, with the total number of injuries and fatalities still being determined.
Sadly, several individuals lost their lives in the collision between the train and school transport minibus in Buggenhout, as reported by a ground source to Reuters. The tragic incident occurred this morning in East Flanders, Belgium, at the crossing on Stationsstraat in Buggenhout at approximately 8:15am local time.
