Belgium is in mourning after a tragic train crash in Buggenhout this morning claimed the lives of two teenagers, the bus driver, and another adult. The collision occurred around 8:08 AM when a passenger train carrying approximately 100 people slammed into a minibus transporting secondary school children to a special education school at a level crossing on Stationsstraat.
Details of the Accident
Officials have confirmed that the barriers were down and warning lights were active at the time of the impact. Rail operator Infrabel stated that CCTV footage showed the barriers were lowered and traffic lights were red when the train hit the bus. The train driver had applied the emergency brake, but the collision was unavoidable.
Belgium's transport minister, Jean-Luc Crucke, described the event as tragic, saying: "My first thoughts are with the victims, but also with those who were injured and their families." Thomas Baeken of the Belgian rail track operator added: "We do not know how the accident could have happened. That is for the police and the public prosecutor's office to investigate."
Victims and Response
Police are in the process of informing family members personally, who are being cared for at a nearby school. The train, traveling from Bruges, was evacuated safely, with one person treated for shock. Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden expressed her condolences on social media, stating: "My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the victims, the children, their families and everyone affected by this tragedy today."
Emergency services remain at the scene, and an investigation is underway to determine how the accident occurred. The community is rallying to support those affected by this devastating incident.
