Several Feared Dead After Train Collides With School Bus in Belgium
Several people have been killed after a passenger train collided with a school minibus carrying children in northern Belgium, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The tragic accident occurred at a railway level crossing in the village of Buggenhout, triggering a massive emergency response and sending shockwaves across the country.
According to local officials, the minibus was transporting seven children alongside a supervisor and the driver when it was struck by the oncoming train at about 8:08 a.m. local time. Reports indicated that the train was approaching a nearby station, located roughly one kilometre from the scene, when the collision happened.
Emergency responders rushed to the area shortly after the crash, with Belgian media showing images of the severely damaged minibus lying on its side near the railway tracks. Tents were erected around the accident scene as rescue workers and investigators carried out emergency operations.
Authorities described the impact of the collision as extremely violent. Police spokesman, Frederic Sacre, said the human toll from the incident was “dramatic,” although officials have yet to confirm the exact number of fatalities and injuries.
Belgian Interior Minister, Bernard Quintin, expressed sympathy to the victims and their families in a message posted on social media. He said his thoughts were with those affected by the tragedy and wished the injured strength and speedy recovery.
The incident has once again raised concerns over safety at railway crossings in parts of Europe, especially involving school transportation. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.