Four people — two children and two adults — have died after a school minibus was struck by a passenger train at a level crossing in Buggenhout, East Flanders, on Tuesday morning.
The accident occurred at around 8:15 am at the Vierhuizen crossing on Stationsstraat.
The minibus, used for school transport, was carrying seven special needs children along with a driver and at least one supervisor when it collided with the train.
Belgian rail infrastructure manager Infrabel confirmed that the barriers were down and warning lights were red at the time of the impact.
Emergency services reported that the minibus overturned upon collision.
The two children and two adults were killed. Other passengers on the minibus were injured and taken to hospital.
Around 100 passengers were on board the train, none of whom were injured. They were safely evacuated.
Infrabel described the impact as “very serious with very serious consequences.”
NOW – Several dead after train collides and overturns school bus in Buggenhout, Belgium. pic.twitter.com/7YDfwHIyya
— Confidential Post (@The_C_Post) May 26, 2026
The exact circumstances remain under investigation, including why the minibus entered the closed crossing. The driver reportedly attempted an emergency brake.
Rail traffic has been suspended between Dendermonde and Londerzeel, with replacement buses in operation.
Buggenhout’s municipal emergency plan was activated, and local authorities have described the incident as a major tragedy.
The deadly crash appears to have touched many officials, with all kinds of politicians and representatives making statements about the tragedy.
This includes Belgian Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden, Interior Minister Bernard Quentin, Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir and others, who all expressed their sympathies.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her condolences.
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.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 26, 2026
