A train collided with a school minibus at a level crossing near Buggenhout station in Flanders, northern Belgium, on May 26 at 8:08 a.m. local time, killing four people and injuring five others [1, 2, 3, 4].

The dead included two children aged 12 and 15, the 49-year-old minibus driver, and a 27-year-old adult chaperone traveling with seven schoolchildren from a special education secondary school [5, 2, 3, 6, 4]. Five other children in the minibus were seriously injured and hospitalized but were not in immediate danger [5, 3, 4].

The collision occurred at a level crossing where the barriers were already down and red lights were flashing. The minibus driver appeared to have driven around the barriers and then turned left onto the crossing when the train was approaching [7, 5, 8, 2, 3, 4].

The train was traveling at about 120 kilometers per hour (75 mph) and could not brake in time to avoid the crash [2, 3, 4]. About 100 passengers were on the train; none were injured, though one was treated for shock [7, 5, 2, 4].

Belgian officials expressed deep sorrow at the accident. Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke said, "My first thoughts are with the victims" [7]. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin described the crash as "tragic" and sent condolences to the victims' families [1]. Prime Minister Bart De Wever said he was "deeply moved by the horrific accident" [5]. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended "deepest condolences" on behalf of Europe [7].

East Flanders Prosecutor's Office spokesperson Lisa De Wilde confirmed the identities of the dead and said the cause of the collision is still under investigation [4]. She reiterated that the crossing barriers were closed and the red light was on when the minibus crossed.

Belgium has seen multiple fatal level crossing accidents in recent years, with five deaths reported in such accidents in 2025 [9, 8, 2].

Emergency responders secured the scene near Buggenhout, located about 14 to 30 kilometers northwest of Brussels [5, 8, 2, 3, 4]. Investigators continue to examine why the minibus crossed against active barriers. No further incidents have been reported.

Authorities plan to release additional findings and updates as the investigation proceeds.