Four Dead in Buggenhout Train-Bus Collision, Belgium

A devastating train-bus collision at a level crossing in Buggenhout, East Flanders, has claimed four lives and left a community in deep mourning. The crash occurred on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, in the early morning when a minibus serving as a school transport vehicle was struck by a passenger train on Spoorlijn 53, between Baasrode-Zuid and Buggenhout stations.

According to VRT NWS, the victims include the 49-year-old bus driver Noureddine, 27-year-old supervisor Anke Robrecht, and two students — Arthur (12) and Mohamed Reda (15). Five other students were seriously injured but are now out of life-threatening danger.

The Incident

The minibus, operated as a subcontractor for De Lijn, was transporting students to Richtpunt Campus Buggenhout, a secondary school for special needs education. According to investigators, the bus came from Kerkhofstraat and turned left onto Vierhuizen crossing the tracks. The barriers were down and red lights were flashing. The bus struck the barrier and was hit by passenger train L556, traveling at approximately 90 km/h. The impact catapulted the bus onto the driveway of a nearby house.

Infrabel confirmed that the barriers were closed and red lights active at the time of the collision. The train driver tested negative on breathalyzer and drug tests, while the bus driver had a clean criminal record. An autopsy will be performed on the bus driver as the investigation by the East Flanders prosecutor’s office continues.

Community in Mourning

The Richtpunt school community has been profoundly affected. School director Jolien Roef told Radio 2: “No one here can put into words how we feel. We all hoped it was a nightmare, but unfortunately it is not.” Teachers visited the crash site a day after the tragedy, and the school has set up a mourning corner with comfort kits, scarves, and night lights provided by the Berrefonds foundation.

A crowdfunding campaign for Anke Robrecht’s funeral has raised over 14,000 euros, reflecting the community’s solidarity. Her partner, Bjorn Van Malderen, who also works as a bus driver for the same school, gave an emotional testimony to VRT NWS: “We had future plans, and now there is nothing left. I can’t believe it yet, but I saw her lying there, so it is true.”

Mourning registers have been opened at the town hall, the school, and the provincial house. The mayors of Buggenhout and Bornem — where the two deceased students lived — have expressed their condolences, and King Philippe contacted the governor from the United States.

School Trauma Response

In the wake of the tragedy, experts have outlined a structured approach for schools coping with trauma. Karel Verelst, CLB coordinator, told VRT NWS that immediate presence, group discussions, and individual follow-up are critical. “The role of the school in a mourning process should not be underestimated,” Verelst said. The school has arranged psychological counseling throughout the week, with sustained support planned for 48 hours followed by 14-day check-ins.

Level Crossing Safety Questions

The tragedy has reignited debates about level crossing safety in Belgium. Train driver Bart Callaert, a Buggenhout resident, called for the permanent closure of the crossing, stating: “That crossing simply must be closed.” The incident bears striking similarities to the 1974 Kortemark school bus disaster, where a train hit a school bus at a level crossing, killing six people including four children.

What’s Next

As the investigation continues, key questions remain: Why did the bus driver proceed despite closed barriers? Could the crossing be made safer with four-quadrant gates or permanent closure? The five surviving students continue to recover in hospital, with one, 14-year-old Ian from Melsele, having undergone 10-hour surgery. The community now faces the difficult task of healing, with long-term support structures being put in place for students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy.

This article was compiled from reports by VRT NWS and Het Laatste Nieuws.