Two schoolchildren are among four people who have been killed when their minibus was hit by a train in East Flanders. The collision, at a level crossing in Buggenhout, near Dendermonde, killed the two children, aged 12 and 15, a 27-year-old supervisor and the vehicle’s 49-year-old driver. The five other children on the minibus were taken to hospital in a critical condition, but their condition has since stabilised. The children on the bus attended the Richtpunt school for children with special educational needs. The public
prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation. The train involved in the collision was already slowing down to approach Buggenhout rail station – about a kilometre further along the line. The driver hit the emergency brake, but could not avoid a collision at such a short distance. The minibus ended up on its side against a nearby house. Forensics experts are on site. The incident happened shortly after 8.00 on Tuesday morning. Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever said he was “deeply moved by the horrific
accident”. Rail network operator Infrabel has described the incident as one of the most serious incidents at a level crossing in history. It said that the barriers at the crossing were down at the time of the collision and the alarm and flashing red lights were working normally. Federal mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke said it was too early to determine the circumstances, adding: “We must await the investigation before drawing any conclusions.” Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke said that psychological support was being provided to the
relatives and classmates of the victims. “The accident is a terrible tragedy,” he said. “I also want to thank the emergency services immensely who are giving their best today at this difficult moment.” East Flanders governor Kurt Moens said other students at the school have been allowed to go home for the rest of the day if they wish. Buggenhout mayor Geert Hermans said a municipal disaster plan was in force, adding: “We are in shock and we are deeply affected by what happened today.”
The minibus was operated by a sub-contractor of Flemish public transport operator De Lijn. A spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. De Lijn is doing everything it can to co-operate with the emergency services.” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X: “I was heartbroken to learn of the tragic accident between a train and a school bus in Buggenhout today. “My deepest condolences go out to the victims’ families and their loved ones. Today, Europe grieves with
Belgium.”
Buggenhout, Dendermonde, level crossing, school bus crash, train accident, Richtpunt school, De Lijn, Infrabel, Belgium