Buggenhout, Belgium—A commuter train collided with a school minibus at a level crossing on Tuesday morning, leaving four people dead and five others with serious injuries. The impact was violent, throwing the smaller vehicle approximately fifteen meters into a nearby pylon. The crossing’s warning systems were reportedly active at the time of the collision.

The minibus was transporting seven students and two staff members when the accident occurred shortly after 8:00 AM. Emergency services reached the scene within minutes, setting up triage tents on the roadside. Rescuers struggled to stabilize the survivors before transporting them to regional hospitals.

Police spokesperson An Berger stated that the victims included the vehicle’s driver, a school escort, and two students. The remaining five passengers, all students, were airlifted to nearby facilities. They remain under observation for severe injuries but are currently described as being in stable condition.

Rail agency officials have launched an internal investigation to determine why the bus was on the tracks. Footage reviewed by forensic teams shows the warning lights flashing and the safety barriers in the lowered position when the train entered the crossing. The train was traveling at speed but had begun braking for an upcoming station.

Local residents and parents rushed to the site, creating a frantic scene as authorities tried to cordon off the wreckage. The train remained immobilized on the tracks while forensic investigators combed the area for evidence. The surrounding roads were shut down to allow for the movement of rescue equipment.

Political figures from across the country have offered condolences, describing the event as a national tragedy. King Philippe acknowledged the loss and praised the first responders who dealt with the immediate aftermath of the crash. However, the focus remains on the ongoing forensic examination of the crossing's electronics.

Rail traffic on the line remains suspended while crews work to clear the mangled bus from the pylon. Technical teams are currently testing the signaling hardware to rule out a mechanical failure in the barrier system. The process is slow, as every piece of evidence must be documented for the prosecutor's office.

Families of the victims have gathered at a local center for support, where they await further updates from law enforcement. The site is now quiet as investigators continue their work under spotlights, trying to determine exactly how the vehicle came to be in the path of the train.