Key Highlights
- Four people killed in a minibus-train collision in Buggenhout, Belgium.
- The minibus was carrying seven boys and two adults when the accident occurred.
- The train was traveling at 90km/h at the time of impact.
- Two boys from Bornem were among the victims who died.
Tragic Accident in Buggenhout, Belgium
Four people—two children and two adults—were killed when a school minibus collided with a train in Buggenhout, northern Belgium. The crash took place on October 3, 2024.
The impact was violent; the train, traveling at approximately 90km/h, struck the minibus, which then hit a pole before being thrown some distance into a nearby driveway. The accident occurred shortly after 8:00 AM local time (6:00 GMT) on October 3, 2024.
Details of the Accident
The barrier at the level crossing was down when the crash happened, according to Federal police spokeswoman An Berger. The minibus had been traveling on a street parallel to the railway and then turned left onto the level crossing while the barrier was already down.
“The minibus had been travelling on a street parallel to the railway and then the driver turned left on to the level crossing while the barrier was already down,” said Berger.
Victims and Survivors
The two children who died were aged 12 and 15, both from Bornem. The other victims were a driver, age 49, and a chaperone, age 27. Five boys on the minibus sustained critical but stable injuries and remained hospitalized.
“My thoughts are with all the victims, their families and everyone closely involved,” said Flemish education minister Zuhal Demir.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed condolences, stating, “Today, Europe grieves with Belgium.”
Investigation Underway
The train driver passed a breathalyzer test and a post-mortem examination was being conducted on the minibus driver who had no criminal convictions. No further details were given about the condition of the five children in hospital.
Belgian mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke confirmed reports that the barriers at level crossings often fail, adding, “We need to address this issue urgently.”
The mayor of Buggenhout, Geert Hermans, called for a minute of silence to honor the victims. Belgium’s King Philippe expressed gratitude to emergency services and wished everyone involved “a lot of strength and support in the face of this dramatic event.”
