SouthernWorldwide.com – A tragic collision occurred on Tuesday in Belgium when a high-speed passenger train struck a minibus carrying children, resulting in four fatalities, including two young individuals, and critically injuring five other children.
The devastating incident took place during the morning commute near Buggenhout, a town situated approximately 20 miles northwest of Brussels. Officials have characterized the event as one of the nation’s most severe rail accidents in recent memory.
Preliminary reports indicate that the minibus may have driven through a closed railway crossing barrier just before being hit by the train, which was traveling at an estimated speed of 75 mph. Security camera footage captured the bus crossing the tracks immediately prior to the impact.
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A total of nine individuals were on board the minibus. According to the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office, the deceased include the bus driver, an escort, and two children aged 12 and 15. The five surviving children sustained serious injuries and were transported to the hospital.
Spokesperson Lisa De Wilde informed reporters that the barrier was down and the red light was illuminated at the time of the incident. She added that investigators are actively working to ascertain the precise cause of the crash.
Federal Police spokesperson An Berger stated that the driver appeared to have driven through the crossing barrier. Belgian rail operator Infrabel confirmed that the crossing system was functioning correctly when the accident occurred.
Frédéric Sacré, a spokesperson for Infrabel, described the impact as “extremely violent” to Belgian broadcaster RTBF, noting that the train operator had insufficient time to apply the brakes before the collision.
An Associated Press journalist at the scene observed that the minibus was overturned with its front end severely crushed, while the train itself sustained only minor damage.
Approximately 100 passengers were on board the train, but fortunately, none reported any injuries. Rail traffic in the affected area was halted to allow emergency services to manage the scene.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed his profound sorrow over the “horrific accident in Buggenhout” and extended his condolences to the families of the victims via a social media post.
