A deadly collision between a passenger train and a school bus in northern Belgium left four people dead, including two children, and injured five others Tuesday morning, authorities said.
The crash happened near the town of Buggenhout, about 20 miles northwest of Brussels, during the busy morning commute.
Children Among Victims
Belgian officials said the victims included the minibus driver, a bus escort, and two children ages 12 and 15. Five other children were hospitalized with serious injuries.
According to prosecutors, the bus was carrying nine people when it was struck by a high-speed train at a railway crossing.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. Prosecutors said the crossing barriers were down and warning lights were active at the time of impact.
Belgian rail operator Infrabel said the train was traveling around 75 mph and had no time to stop before the collision.
Police believe the bus may have driven through the crossing barrier moments before the crash. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the bus still moving as the train approached.
Train Passengers Unhurt
Officials said nearly 100 passengers were aboard the train, but none were injured. Rail service in the area was temporarily suspended while emergency crews responded and investigators examined the scene.
Images from the crash site showed the school bus overturned with severe front-end damage, while the train sustained limited visible damage.
Belgian Leaders React
Belgium’s Interior Minister Bernard Quintin expressed condolences in a social media statement, calling the collision a “tragic accident” and offering support to the victims’ families.
For more on this tragic story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.