Overview
- A regional train hit a school minibus at a level crossing in Buggenhout in East Flanders on Tuesday morning at about 08:08, producing a violent impact.
- Authorities confirmed four people died, including two children, from the occupants of the minibus; seven pupils, one supervisor and the driver had been aboard.
- Images and statements from Infrabel showed the crossing barriers were down and the signal light was red at the time of the collision, raising questions about how the vehicle entered the crossing.
- Around 100 passengers on the train were evacuated without physical injury though some were in shock, and emergency teams took minibus victims to regional hospitals.
- Federal police and the public prosecutor have opened a formal investigation and will examine technical records, crossing operation and legal responsibility as officials continue on‑site inquiries.