BUGGENHOUT, Belgium — Four people, including two children, died and five children were injured after a high-speed train collided with a minibus at a railway crossing in Buggenhout, Belgium, on Tuesday, authorities said.
The victims included the minibus driver, an escort, and two children aged 12 and 15. The injured children were taken to hospital, where they are being treated for serious injuries.
The incident occurred during the morning rush hour at a railway crossing located about 30 kilometers northwest of Brussels.
Authorities said initial findings indicate the minibus entered the crossing despite a lowered barrier and an active red signal. Security camera footage reportedly showed the vehicle in motion at the time of impact.
Lisa De Wilde, spokesperson for the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office, said the cause of the collision remains under investigation but confirmed that warning systems were active at the crossing.
Federal police said the minibus appeared to have crossed the barrier. Rail operator Infrabel stated that the crossing system was functioning as intended at the time of the incident.
The train was traveling at an estimated speed of 120 kph (75 mph) and was unable to stop before the collision, according to Infrabel spokesperson Frédéric Sacré.
An Associated Press reporter at the scene observed damage to the minibus, while the train sustained minimal visible impact. About 100 passengers were on board the train, and none were reported injured.
Rail services in the area were temporarily suspended as authorities conducted investigations. Local officials observed a moment of silence following a briefing on the incident.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed condolences, saying he was deeply saddened by the accident and extended sympathy to the families affected.
A nearby school continued normal activities, with children seen playing outdoors not far from the crash site.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
- EDGARDO HERNAL
