A serious road accident has occurred in Belgium when a school bus collided with a train at a railway crossing in the Bugenhout region.
The news was confirmed by Belgium’s Interior Minister Bernard Kenten, who cited fatalities, expressing sadness over the tragic incident.
The accident occurred at around 09:15 GMT at the Vierhuizen railway crossing. Heavy police, fire brigade and rescue teams were rushed to the scene and the area was cordoned off.
The bus was carrying schoolchildren
According to Infrabel, the operator of the Belgian rail network, the bus was used to transport schoolchildren.
In the vehicle were:
- 7 students
- and an attendant.
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The exact circumstances of the crash are being investigated by Belgian authorities and the public prosecutor’s office.
“The bars were down”
Infrabel spokesman Thomas Baken said that according to security camera footage:
- The crossing barriers were down,
- and the traffic lights were red.
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As reported:
“The train was already starting to brake. The driver applied the emergency brake but was unable to prevent the collision.”
The accident occurred about a kilometre from the local railway station.
Traffic stoppage and shock to passengers
The approximately 100 passengers on the train were safely evacuated and taken to an area fire station for support and care.
According to initial reports, at least one passenger is in shock and receiving medical attention.
The rail traffic between Dendermonde and Londerzeel has been temporarily suspended, while Belgian authorities have deployed buses to serve passengers.
A formal update is expected from the mayor of the area later today.
