On 26/5, a train carrying approximately 100 people collided with a school bus at a level crossing near Buggenhout station in the town, located about 23 km northwest of Brussels, the capital. At the time of the incident, the bus had nine occupants: the driver, a supervisor, and seven students.

Belgian Transport Minister Jean-Luc Crucke confirmed that at least four people died in the crash, including two teenagers, the bus driver, and the supervisor. Authorities safely evacuated all 100 passengers from the train, though medics treated one person for shock.

The scene of the train hitting a school bus in Buggenhout town, Belgium on 26/5. Photo: AFP

Frederic Sacre, a spokesperson for the railway company Infrabel, stated that "the train struck the vehicle with significant force". At the time of the accident, the level crossing barriers were down and the warning lights were active.

Buggenhout Mayor Geert Hermans described the incident as a tragedy and declared a state of emergency for the town. Officials suspended rail traffic on the line between Dendermonde and Londerzeel, which passes through Buggenhout, while authorities investigate the cause of the accident.

Belgium has a dense rail network that traverses many towns and villages, and has historically recorded numerous accidents at level crossings. In 2025, Infrabel reported five fatalities in level crossing accidents, which was the lowest number since 2020.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, Reuters, RTL)