A school bus carrying seven students and two adults collided with a train in Buggenhout on Tuesday, May 26, at approximately 8:15 AM, resulting in four confirmed deaths.
The Tragedy in Buggenhout
According to reports from lesoir.be and VRT NWS, the school bus involved in the accident was transporting students to a special needs school. Belgian Mobility Minister Jean-Luca Crucke confirmed that the victims include two children and two adults, the latter identified as the bus driver and a supervisor.
Railway Safety and Collision Details
Thomas Baeken of the Belgian railway operator Infrabel stated that the railway crossing gates were closed and the warning signals were active at the time of the incident. Despite the train driver engaging the emergency brakes, a collision was unavoidable.
Preliminary findings from the police suggest that the bus turned left and drove through the closed barrier before being struck by the approaching train.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder and Education Minister Zuhal Demir expressed their deep condolences to the families of the victims via social media, praising the emergency services for their rapid response. Authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding the condition of the surviving children, noting that families are currently receiving private briefings.