Four Dead as Train Hits School Minibus in Buggenhout
A passenger train collided with a school minibus at a level crossing in Buggenhout, East Flanders, on Tuesday morning, killing four people and leaving several others injured. The minibus was carrying seven children from a special needs school, along with a driver and a supervisor, when it was struck at approximately 08:08 local time.
According to VRT NWS, the dead include two schoolchildren, the driver, and the supervisor. The five surviving children were injured and transported to hospitals. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief from Belgian officials and European leaders.
The Crash
The collision occurred at the Vierhuizen level crossing in Buggenhout, a town located between Antwerp and Brussels. The minibus had turned left from Kerkhofstraat, a road running parallel to the railway line, onto Vierhuizen, crossing the tracks at a crossing that was fully closed at the time.
Thomas Baeken, spokesperson for rail infrastructure manager Infrabel, confirmed that the barriers were down and traffic lights were red. CCTV footage shows the crossing was properly closed. According to VRT NWS reporting, the minibus drove through the barrier.
“The train driver activated the emergency brake but could not avoid the collision,” Baeken said. He described the incident as “one of the worst level crossing accidents ever in Belgium.”
The train was approximately one kilometer from Buggenhout station and was already slowing down at the time of impact. Around 100 train passengers were evacuated, with one person treated for shock.
Victims and Response
The minibus was operated by a subcontractor for De Lijn, the Flemish public transport company. It was transporting students from Richtpunt Campus Buggenhout, a provincial school providing special needs secondary education (buitengewoon onderwijs).
Federal Police spokesperson An Berger confirmed the bus was for special needs education and stated that families were being informed. “We don’t want to say anything about the condition of the victims yet,” Berger said. “Family members are being informed first and are being received at a nearby school.”
De Lijn spokesperson Jens Van Herp expressed condolences: “Our thoughts are now with the victims and their families. De Lijn is doing everything to work with the emergency services to assist, support, and guide them as best as possible.”
National and International Reactions
Belgian and European leaders swiftly expressed their sorrow. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X: “My heart broke when I heard about the tragic accident with a train and a school bus in Buggenhout. My deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. Today Europe mourns with Belgium.”
Flemish Minister of Education Zuhal Demir called it “heartbreaking news,” while Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder described it as “extremely heavy and distressing news.” Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden said “words fall short,” and Interior Minister Bernard Quintin expressed “great dismay.”
Kurt Moens, the provincial deputy responsible for the school, told VRT NWS: “What could have been a beautiful spring morning suddenly turned into a pitch-black day.”
Investigation Underway
A multi-agency investigation has been launched involving federal railway police, the public prosecutor’s office, a traffic expert, and a forensic laboratory. Key questions include why the minibus crossed despite closed barriers and red lights, and whether mechanical failure or human error played a role.
The municipality of Buggenhout has established a press center and an information hotline (0800 99 110). A press conference by the mayor was expected later on Tuesday.
Broader Context
Belgium has a mixed record on level crossing safety. Infrabel has implemented various safety campaigns and infrastructure improvements over the years. Baeken’s characterization of this as potentially “one of the worst accidents at level crossings ever in Belgium” underscores the severity of the incident.
As reported by RTL Nieuws, the crash has drawn international media attention, with coverage across Europe and the United States. The incident is likely to reignite debates about level crossing safety, particularly near schools serving vulnerable populations.
The investigation continues, and authorities have urged the public to await official findings before drawing conclusions about the cause of the tragedy.