A school bus was hit by a train at a level crossing in Buggenhout in East Flanders on Tuesday, killing four people.
The train collided with a school shortly after 08:00. A bus driver, 49, a female supervisor, 27, and two children, 15 and 12, had been killed, the authorities confirmed at the press conference in the afternoon.
Five other children have been hospitalised in critical condition, but remain stable, according to the Public Prosecutor.
The bus was heading to a special education school, according to the Federal Police. Most of the pupils are secondary school students.
The authorities have confirmed to the press that the lights at the level crossing were red, and the barriers were closed at the time of the accident.
An investigation has been launched, with a traffic expert to look into the precise circumstances of the accident.
"What we know at this stage is that the barrier (at the level crossing) was down and the red light was on," said Lisa De Wilde, spokesperson for the East Flanders Public Prosecutor's Office. stressed.
The fire brigade has evacuated about 100 commuters, one of whom was in shock, the national railway company SNCB-NMBS reported.
Richtpunt campus Buggenhout, the provincial school for the students who were victims of the collision between the school bus and the train in Buggenhout, is opening a memorial corner at the school and online.
Scene of an accident between a train and a minivan, at the railway crossing Vierhuizen, in Buggenhout, Tuesday 26 May 2026. Credit: Belga / Dirk Waem
The accident happened about one kilometre from the train station in Buggenhout. "The train was already slowing," said Thomas Baeken of Infrabel. "The train driver still pressed the emergency brake, but could not avoid a collision."
There is also material damage to the railway. "But that's the least of our worries. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families and friends," he said.
Multiple politicians have reacted to the news with condolences on social media, including Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (N-VA), who wrote: "Deeply moved by the horrific accident in Buggenhout. My thoughts go out to the affected families."
Minister of the Interior Bernard Quintin (MR) also expressed his support for victims and their families, and thanked emergency services who worked at the scene.
Later, Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) told VRT: "We have to wait for the investigation before we make decisions."
Scene of an accident between a train and a minivan, at the railway crossing Vierhuizen, in Buggenhout, Tuesday 26 May 2026. Credit: Belga / Dirk Waem
Several EU officials have also responded to teh news and shared their condolences. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has commented on X: "Today Europe is mourning with Belgium."
"My heart broke when I heard about the tragic accident with a train and a school bus in Buggenhout," she added. "My deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims."
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, wrote: "It is hard to understand how much pain the tragic collision between a train and a school bus in Buggenhout caused on a morning that should have been a normal school day."
Train traffic between Londerzeel and Dendermonde in both directions is completely blocked. The SNCB has introduced replacement buses.
This story is being updated.
