Buggenhout train crash as at least 2 kids and 2 adults killed after school minibus hit

Horror scenes have been witnessed in Belgium with fears children may have been killed after a train hit a school minibus from Richtpunt Campus Buggenhout this morning

At least four people have been confirmed dead after a train hit a school minibus in Belgium this morning (May 26). The crash reportedly occurred at around 8.15am at a crossing on Stationsstraat in Buggenhout.

Local reports say seven schoolchildren and two adults were in the minibus at the time of the crash. The barriers were reportedly down with the lights flashing as the bus was on the crossing.

Belgium transport minister Jean-Luc Crucke spoke with publication RTL and said that two teenagers reportedly aged 12 and 15 had died. A 49-year-old bus driver and a 27-year-old adult have also been killed in the incident. The other victims have suffered serious injuries but are now stable in hospital.

The train driver had reportedly began breaking but unfortunately has unable to stop the train in time. There was reportedly 100 people on the train from Bruges at the time but no one on board was reportedly injured except one treated for shock.

According to Belgium publication VRT, the minibus was from a special education centre in the area and the children were of secondary school age.

It has been reported in Belgium that the schoolchildren were from Richtpunt Campus Buggenhout following an an email sent to parents confirming the tragic incident.

An Berger from the Federal Police in Belgium, spoke to the press but would not speak on the condition of the victims.

She said: “The van was driving in front of a school for special education. We do not want to say anything about that yet The family members are being informed first; they are being cared for at a nearby school.”

Thomas Baeken of rail operator Infrabel, who run the train service operator, said an investigation is under way regarding the incident after the crossing barriers and signals were activated.

He told Sky News: “The collision took place at 8.08 am. Footage shows that the barriers were down and the traffic lights were red. We do not know how the accident could have happened. That is for the police and the public prosecutor’s office to investigate.”

Baeken went on to say that this is one of the worst incidents to happen in Belgium.

Annelies Verlinden, Belgium’s Justice Minister, has spoke out about the incident and thanked emergency services for their response from the incident.

She wrote on X: “Thank you to the emergency services and the police for their swift intervention and their sustained efforts on site. The prosecutor’s office is of course also continuing to follow up on this accident.

“My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the victims, the children, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy today. I wish everyone much warm closeness.

“Words fail at the accident in Buggenhout, in which a train and a school bus were involved.”

Flemish Minister of Education Zuhal Demir also wrote on X and said: “”What heartbreaking news from Buggenhout. My thoughts are with all the victims, their families, and everyone closely involved.”

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