Four Dead, Including Two Children, in Belgium Train and School Bus Collision

A tragic accident in Buggenhout, Belgium, claimed the lives of four people, including two children, when a school minibus collided with a passenger train. The incident occurred Tuesday morning around 8:15 local time.

Authorities confirmed the fatalities included the 49-year-old bus driver, a 27-year-old chaperone, and two minors aged 15 and 12. Five other children on the bus sustained serious or critical injuries and were transported to the hospital. Their conditions are currently reported as stable.

According to federal police, the minibus was traveling on a parallel road to the railway line and attempted to turn left, crossing the tracks. The federal transport minister stated that the level crossing was closed and the bus "forced its way through" for reasons yet to be determined by the judicial investigation. A train was approaching at the time, making the accident unavoidable.

Prosecutors have launched an investigation, appointing a traffic expert to clarify the circumstances and causes of the crash. While it is known that the barrier was down and the signal was red, further details are being sought. Forensic teams are on site. The school, Richtpunt Campus Buggenhout, an educational center for students with behavioral and emotional disorders and autism spectrum disorder, declared it a day of "absolute mourning."

All approximately one hundred passengers on the train escaped unharmed, though one individual received treatment for shock. The investigation will include reviewing witness accounts and camera footage.