Four dea and, two injured after train hits school bus in Belgium, deputy PM says
Key Points:
- A train collided with a school minibus at a railway crossing in Buggenhout, northern Belgium, killing four people, including two children aged 12 and 15, and injuring five other schoolchildren.
- The minibus was carrying seven pupils from a school for children with learning disabilities, along with a 49-year-old driver and a 27-year-old supervisor; the driver and supervisor also died in the crash.
- The railway crossing barriers were closed and a red light was showing at the time of the collision, with the train traveling at 120 km/h; the minibus was thrown about 15 meters into a metal pylon.
- The injured children were hospitalized in stable condition, and no one on the train was hurt; authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.
- Belgian officials and European leaders expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the victims' families, highlighting the tragedy and commending emergency responders for their efforts.