A school bus transporting students from a special education facility collided with a train in Buggenhout on Tuesday morning, resulting in four fatalities, including two children and two adults.
Circumstances of the Collision
The accident occurred on Tuesday, May 26, at approximately 8:15 a.m. local time. The bus was carrying seven students and two adults at the time of the impact.
Belgian Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke confirmed that the four victims included two children, their supervisor, and the bus driver. The bus involved in the tragedy was transporting students from a special needs school.
Security Breach at the Crossing
Thomas Baeken, representing the Belgian rail operator Infrabel, stated that the crossing gates were closed and the warning signals were active when the collision took place. The train conductor applied the emergency brakes, but a collision could not be avoided.
Preliminary findings from police investigations indicate that the bus maneuvered around the closed barrier before entering the tracks. Authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding the condition of the surviving children, noting that families are being kept informed.
Official Responses
Flemish Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder expressed her condolences on X, describing the incident in Buggenhout as a heartbreaking tragedy for the victims and their families. Flemish Minister of Education Zuhal Demir also issued a statement, offering support to those affected and thanking emergency responders for their efforts at the scene.
