Emergency Braking Was Not Enough: Deadly Train Crash Stuns Belgium

Belgium woke up to tragedy after a passenger train slammed into a school minibus north of Brussels, killing four people in a collision witnesses describe as horrifying. Investigators say the minibus entered the crossing despite lowered barriers and flashing red signals, while the train driver, already braking, had no realistic chance of stopping the speeding train before impact.

The tragedy happened on Monday shortly after 8 a.m. near the town of Buggenhout, approximately one kilometre from the local railway station. The minibus was transporting students to a school for pupils with special educational needs. Alongside the driver, seven mainly secondary-school students and one accompanying adult were travelling inside the vehicle.

Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin confirmed that four people died at the scene, including the bus driver, two minors and one adult passenger. The minister later expressed condolences to the victims’ families on social media platform X and wished strength and recovery to those injured in the accident.

Barriers Were Down, Authorities Say

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, but railway infrastructure operator Infrabel stated that the crossing’s warning system was functioning correctly at the time of the incident. According to Belgian broadcaster VRT, surveillance footage shows the barriers already lowered and warning lights flashing red when the minibus entered the crossing at 08:08.

"The footage clearly shows that the barriers were closed and the signal was red. We do not understand how this accident could have happened," said Infrabel spokesperson Thomas Baeken. The train driver reportedly activated the emergency brake immediately, but the collision could no longer be avoided. "The train was already braking as it approached the station area. The driver did everything possible," Baeken added.

A school bus has been hit by a train at a level crossing in the town of Buggenhout, north of Brussels. Four people have been killed, with five children injured.

Our Europe correspondent @AliBunkallSKY reports from the scene of the crash ⬇️

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Passengers Evacuated After the Impact

Around 100 passengers were onboard the train at the time of the collision. Belgian authorities confirmed that none of them suffered serious physical injuries. All passengers were evacuated safely and temporarily sheltered at a nearby fire station, where emergency responders provided assistance and psychological support. According to VRT, one train passenger required medical attention due to severe shock following the crash. The investigation is now being conducted jointly by Belgian police and public prosecutors.