FOUR DEAD, INCLUDING TWO CHILDREN, AFTER TRAIN COLLIDES WITH SCHOOL MINIBUS IN BELGIUM

FOUR DEAD, INCLUDING TWO CHILDREN, AFTER TRAIN COLLIDES WITH SCHOOL MINIBUS IN BELGIUM At least four people, including two children, have been killned following a devastating collision between a passenger train and a school minibus at a level crossing in Buggenhout, in northern Belgium. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when a train struck the minibus carrying schoolchildren at a railway crossing near the town. Authorities confirmed that the crash also left five other children injured, all of whom were rushed to hospital and are currently reported to be in stable condition. According to early reports from Belgian prosecutors and railway officials, the victims include two children aged 12 and 15, the 49 year old driver of the minibus, and a 27-year-old accompanying staff member. The minibus was transporting seven pupils to a special education school at the time of the crash. Rail operator Infrabel stated that initial findings indicate the level crossing barriers were down and warning signals were active when the minibus entered the tracks. The train, travelling at high speed, was unable to stop in time, resulting in a violent impact that threw the vehicle several metres off the crossing. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the collision, securing the area and evacuating passengers from the train. Authorities confirmed that none of the approximately 100 passengers on board the train suffered physical injuries, although some were treated for shock. Belgian officials, including transport authorities, have launched a full investigation to determine how the minibus entered the crossing despite active safety systems. Rail experts are also assessing surveillance footage and technical data from the site. The tragedy has prompted widespread condolences from national leaders and renewed discussion about safety at level crossings across Belgium, where similar accidents have previously raised concerns.