A train collided with a school minibus at a level crossing in Buggenhout, Flanders, Belgium, resulting in the deaths of four people. The accident occurred on a route about 15 miles from Brussels, involving seven children and two adults on board the vehicle.

Authorities confirmed that the bus was carrying pupils from Richtpunt campus Buggenhout, a special educational needs (SEN) school specializing in support for children with autism, as well as emotional and behavioral disorders. Two children aged 12 and 15, the 49-year-old bus driver, and a 27-year-old chaperone were pronounced dead at the scene. Five other students were injured, two of whom sustained serious injuries.

Witnesses and officials described the aftermath as severe, with the minibus found overturned and severely damaged next to the road. The train itself sustained minor damage despite the force of the collision.

Belgian federal police spokesperson An Berger noted the victims were en route to their SEN secondary school at the time of the crash. Officials from De Lijn, the public transportation operator responsible for the bus, confirmed the students’ special educational needs status.

The level crossing where the collision took place had functioning barriers and warning lights, according to statements by local authorities and Infrabel, the agency responsible for railway infrastructure. Frédéric Sacré, an Infrabel spokesperson, described the impact as “extremely violent,” with the train traveling at approximately 75 miles per hour. The minibus was reportedly thrown about 15 meters into a metal pylon by the force of the collision.

Investigations are ongoing, but preliminary reports from the Belgian newspaper Le Soir indicated the bus driver passed through a red signal when the barriers were down and warning lights active. Thomas Baeken of Infrabel emphasized that the crossing’s safety mechanisms were operational and noted that the train had already begun to slow as it approached the station about one kilometer away from the site.

The incident prompted an emergency response involving dozens of first responders and forensic teams. Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever expressed his condolences, stating he was “deeply moved by the horrific accident” and extending his sympathies to the families affected. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin also released a statement offering thoughts and support to victims and their loved ones, urging strength for those injured.

Local officials and emergency personnel have pledged to continue investigating the causes of the disaster, which is regarded as one of the most serious level crossing accidents in recent Belgian history.