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Four killed including two teenagers as train hits school minibus at Belgium level crossing
Two teenagers, a bus driver and a chaperone have been killed after a train hit a minibus from a special education school at a level crossing near Boughaute in Belgium. Seven schoolchildren and two adults were on board. The Belgian transport minister described the incident as tragic.
Two teenagers, a bus driver and a chaperone have been killed after a train collided with a minibus at a level crossing near Boughaute in the Flanders region of Belgium. The collision occurred at 8:08 AM local time as the minibus was carrying pupils from a special education school.
Seven schoolchildren and two adults were aboard the minibus at the time of the collision. Belgian transport minister Jean-Luc Cruque described the situation as tragic. An email has been sent to parents informing them that emergency services are on site.
The train had been approaching Boughaute station, approximately one kilometre away, and was already slowing when the collision occurred. The driver attempted to apply the emergency brake but could not avoid hitting the vehicle. The impact was severe enough to damage railway infrastructure, bending overhead cable support beams.
Railway company spokesperson Thomas Bacon confirmed the collision happened at exactly eight minutes past eight. The barriers at the level crossing were down and warning lights were flashing at the time of the incident. Investigators are trying to determine why the minibus was on the tracks despite the active safety measures.
The Flemish minister of education has expressed condolences to the victims, families and all those affected. The incident has sent shockwaves through Belgium, particularly given that the victims were students from a school for special education. A live investigation is underway at the scene.