A commuter train struck a school minibus in Buggenhout, Belgium, killing four people, including two children, and seriously injuring several others. The minibus carried students from a secondary school for children with special needs; the dead include the 49-year-old driver and a 27-year-old assistant. Authorities said the train was traveling about 75 mph (≈120 km/h) and the minibus was thrown roughly 15 meters into a metal pylon; video reportedly shows crossing barriers were down and a red light was active. Belgian and European leaders offered condolences as investigators probe the crash.
Four Killed After Commuter Train Collides With School Minibus in Buggenhout, Belgium
Emergency services work at the scene of an collision between a train and a minibus carrying school children, at the railway crossing Vierhuizen, in Buggenhout, Belgium, May 26, 2026. / Credit: DIRK WAEM/Belga/AFP/Getty
A commuter train struck a school minibus in Buggenhout, central Belgium, on Tuesday morning, killing four people — including two children — and seriously injuring several others, authorities said.
What Happened
Police and rail officials say the collision occurred at a level crossing in the municipality of Buggenhout, in the province of East Flanders. The minibus was carrying seven students from a secondary school for children with special needs, a supervisor and the driver when it was hit by a passing commuter train that remained stopped on the tracks after the collision.
Casualties and Injuries
Authorities identified the dead as the 49-year-old minibus driver, a 27-year-old assistant, and two pupils. Five other children were seriously injured and hospitalized in stable condition. Police confirmed that there were no injuries among passengers on the train.
Eyewitness Accounts and Technical Details
Frederic Sacre, a spokesman for Infrabel — Belgium’s rail infrastructure agency — described the impact as "extremely violent," and told reporters the train was traveling at about 75 miles per hour (roughly 120 km/h) when the collision occurred. He said the force of the crash threw the minibus roughly 15 meters (about 50 feet) into a metal pylon.
Sacre also said video footage from the scene showed the crossing’s road barriers were down and a red signal was illuminated at the time of the crash. Investigators will examine the footage and other evidence as part of an ongoing inquiry into the cause of the collision.
Official Reaction
Belgian leaders expressed shock and condolences. Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot called the accident "tragic," while Prime Minister Bart De Wever said he was "deeply moved by the horrific accident" and extended his thoughts to the families. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin wished the injured "much strength," and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was "heartbroken" and offered her deepest condolences.
Response
Emergency services responded to the scene, which witnesses described as chaotic, with the damaged minibus lying on its side and tents erected by rescue teams. Authorities have not released a timeline for the investigation but said they will review crossing safety systems, the train's data, and video evidence to determine what happened.
Note: Details are based on official statements from Belgian police, Infrabel and government officials. The investigation is ongoing and casualty figures may be updated as more information becomes available.
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