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Train Hits School Minibus at Belgian Level Crossing, Killing Four
A morning collision near Buggenhout killed two children, the driver and a chaperone. Five other children were hospitalized in serious condition after the minibus crossed lowered barriers.
May 26, 8:39 AM·1m read6 sources
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A train struck a school minibus at a level crossing near Buggenhout in northern Belgium on Tuesday morning, killing four people and injuring five children. The dead included two pupils aged 12 and 15, the 49-year-old driver and a 27-year-old chaperone, federal prosecutors said.
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The five injured children were taken to hospital in serious but stable condition. The collision occurred shortly after 08:00 local time at the Vierhuizen crossing while the minibus was taking seven children to a special-education school.
The minibus approached the crossing from a parallel road, turned left and continued moving after the barriers had lowered and the red lights were flashing, according to police and rail officials. The train, traveling from Bruges toward Buggenhout station at roughly 90-120 km/h, struck the vehicle after the driver applied emergency brakes.
The impact threw the minibus against a pole and into the driveway of a nearby house. The train itself sustained only minor damage and none of its approximately 100 passengers were injured.
Investigators are reviewing security-camera footage and interviewing witnesses. Prosecutors confirmed the barriers and lights were functioning at the time. Rail operator Infrabel said the crossing equipment had operated correctly and noted that the cause remains under police examination.
Quintin posted that he was saddened by “the tragic accident in Buggenhout” and offered thoughts to the victims’ families. ” Flemish ministers and Buggenhout’s mayor observed a minute of silence at the scene. " — East Flanders Provincial Deputy Kurt Moens, May 26, 2026 (VRT NWS) Rail traffic through the area was suspended and replacement buses were provided for passengers.
