Four people killed in train collision with Belgian school bus
Details of the Buggenhout Train and School Bus Accident
By Inti Landauro
Accident Overview
BRUSSELS, May 26 (Reuters) - Four people, including two teenagers, were killed in Belgium on Tuesday when a train crashed into a school bus on a level-crossing near the town of Buggenhout, RTL TV reported, citing Transport Minister Jean-Luc Crucke.
Victims and Injuries
The victims also included the bus driver and an adult accompanying the pupils, RTL quoted Crucke as saying. Two other people were also severely injured, he added.
Location and Circumstances
The accident occurred early on Tuesday at a level-crossing near Buggenhout station, about 23 kilometres (14.29 miles) from Brussels. Crucke said security cameras showed that the crossing's security barriers had come down.
Official Responses
Statements from Government Officials
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said on X that "it is with deep sadness that I learned of the tragic accident that occurred in Buggenhout."
Police Response
Spokespeople for the Belgian police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Background on Belgian Railway Safety
History of Level-Crossing Accidents
Belgium, where a dense railway network criss-crosses towns and villages, has a history of accidents at level-crossings.
Recent Statistics
Five people died in such accidents in 2025, railway infrastructure operator Infrabel says on its website, the lowest number recorded since 2020.
(Reporting by Inti Landauro; editing by Richard Lough)
