School Bus Collides with Train in Belgium, Four Killed

Rescue teams inspected a severely damaged school bus after it was hit by a train at a railway crossing in northern Flanders, Belgium, on Tuesday morning (26 May 2026). The tragic accident killed four people, including two teenagers, when the train collided with the vehicle crossing the tracks. According to RTL TV, citing Transport Minister Jean-Luc Crucke, the victims included the bus driver and an adult accompanying the students, with two others sustaining serious injuries. The local prosecutor’s office confirmed the deceased were a 12-year-old and 15-year-old student, a 49-year-old driver, and a 27-year-old chaperone, adding that an investigation has been opened. The incident occurred in the village of Buggenhout when a school minibus was struck by a train en route to the next station. The force of the collision prompted immediate deployment of emergency services. Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin expressed deep shock, stating on social media platform X: ‘I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic accident in Buggenhout where a school bus was hit by a train. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. I hope those injured find strength.’ An Infrabel spokesperson confirmed the collision happened at a railway crossing in Flanders, describing the impact as severe. The incident occurred at approximately 8:08 AM local time when a minibus was struck by a train that should have stopped at the next station, about one kilometre from the crash site.