Four killed as train hits school minibus in Buggenhout

Four people, including two teenagers, were killed Tuesday morning when a passenger train collided with a school minibus at a level crossing in the town of Buggenhout, Belgium. The country’s transport minister confirmed the fatalities, which also included the bus driver and another adult.

The collision occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m. local time at the crossing on Stationsstraat. According to rail operator Infrabel, the level crossing’s barriers were down and its warning lights were active at the moment of impact. Officials stated the minibus was carrying seven children and two adults at the time of the crash. The children were of secondary school age and were from a special education center in the area.

There were approximately 100 passengers aboard the train, which was traveling from Bruges. None of the train passengers were reported injured, though one was treated for shock. All passengers were evacuated safely. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, where images showed a severely damaged minibus lying on its side near the tracks.

Transport Minister Jean-Luc Crucke said authorities have footage confirming the crossing was closed. Thomas Baeken of Infrabel stated...