Four killed as Belgian school bus hit by train after appearing to plow through barrier

A devastating collision occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Buggenhout, Belgium, when a train struck a school minibus at a level crossing, resulting in four fatalities. The victims included two children, aged 12 and 15, along with the bus driver and an adult supervisor. Five additional children aboard the minibus sustained serious injuries and were transported to the hospital, though their conditions are reported as stable.

The tragic incident unfolded around 8:08 AM local time, involving a minibus carrying seven children, many with special needs, plus two adults. Initial reports suggest the railway crossing barriers were down and warning lights were active when the minibus entered the tracks. The train, traveling at an estimated 120 km/h, reportedly had no time to react, leading to an "extremely violent" impact that propelled the minibus about 15 meters.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash. While none of the approximately 100 train passengers suffered physical injuries, many were left deeply shaken. Belgian officials and European leaders have conveyed their profound condolences to the families affected by this tragic event.