300 Say Goodbye to Arthur, 12, in Buggenhout Bus Crash

Three hundred people gathered at the Abbey of Bornem on Saturday to bid a final farewell to 12-year-old Arthur, one of four victims of the devastating school bus crash at a level crossing in Buggenhout, East Flanders. During the service, his parents had an emotional letter read aloud, describing a boy who “understood no aggression” and whose “support, smile, and family cuddles” they would never forget, as reported by Het Laatste Nieuws.

A Life Cut Short

Arthur, a Ukrainian refugee who fled the war in Ukraine with his family four years ago, had only recently found his place in Belgium. He attended Richtpunt Campus Buggenhout, a secondary school for special needs education, where he was in his first year. School director Jolien Roef described him as “a ray of sunshine” — a boy who loved snails, drawing, and judo, according to VRT NWS.

His family had settled in Bornem, living in the former home of neighbor Tine Peeters’ grandparents. “Those Ukrainian people had finally found their place here, and then this happens to them. There are no words for it,” Peeters told VRT NWS.

The Funeral Service

The church was filled to capacity as Arthur’s white coffin was carried in. Priest Steven Barberien led the service, which was also streamed for family members still in Ukraine. One of the injured survivors of the accident was also present to pay their respects.

During the service, Arthur’s teacher Els described him as a “cheerful, beautiful, and playful boy” who loved collecting twigs. His classmates had gathered twigs in the Buggenhout forest over the past week and brought them to the funeral, placing them one by one in a fire bowl — a symbol the school will later ignite to remember him.

Parents’ Heartbreaking Letter

The most poignant moment came when the priest read a letter from Arthur’s parents. “There was no anger in Arthur. Arthur did not understand aggression, friendship was more important,” the letter said. “He loved people and animals. He had respect for the smallest ant and could lose himself for hours in that world.”

His mother recalled how Arthur loved watching old video fragments, sometimes with tears rolling down his cheeks — not from sadness, but from happiness. Despite his own challenges, he cared deeply for his sister, who has autism. “His support, smile, and our family cuddles we will never forget,” the letter concluded.

The Tragedy That Shook a Nation

The accident occurred on the morning of Tuesday, May 26, at the Vierhuizen level crossing in Buggenhout. The school minibus, operated as a subcontractor for De Lijn, was struck by a train traveling at 90 km/h. The bus had hit the lowered barrier before being hit, according to Infrabel spokesperson Thomas Baeken, as VRT NWS reported.

Four people died: Arthur (12), Mohamed Reda (15), bus supervisor Anke (27), and driver Noureddine Zerrouak (49). Five other students were seriously injured but have since stabilized.

Calls for Safety Reform

The tragedy has reignited debate about level crossing safety in Belgium. De Lijn is already considering an alternative route for the school bus to avoid the Vierhuizen crossing entirely. The crossing had half-barriers and red lights at the time of the accident, but questions remain about why the bus drove through.

In the days following the crash, the nation mourned. Bus drivers across Belgium held a minute of silence. A silent vigil at the Vierhuizen crossing drew 200 to 300 people who released white balloons. Condolences poured in from Prime Minister Bart De Wever, King Philippe, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said: “Today, Europe mourns with Belgium.”

What Comes Next

An investigation by the public prosecutor’s office is ongoing, with autopsies scheduled and traffic experts analyzing the scene. The train driver tested negative for alcohol and drugs. For the community of Buggenhout and the family of Arthur, however, the pain of losing a child who had already survived war and displacement will take far longer to heal.

As his father Artem knelt beside the hearse for one final goodbye, the words from his parents’ letter echoed: “His support, smile, and our family cuddles we will never forget.”