Train Collision with Minibus in Belgium Results in Four Fatalities

<p>A passenger train collided with a minibus in Belgium on Tuesday, resulting in four fatalities, including two children, and leaving five other children critically injured. The incident occurred near Buggenhout, approximately 20 miles northwest of Brussels, during the morning rush hour.</p><p>Authorities reported that the minibus drove through a closed railway crossing barrier just before being struck by the train, which was traveling at about 75 mph. Security camera footage confirmed the bus's movement across the tracks prior to the collision.</p><p>According to the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office, the deceased included the bus driver, an escort, and two children aged 12 and 15. The five surviving children were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.</p><p>Lisa De Wilde, a spokesperson for the authorities, stated that the crossing barrier was closed and the red light was activated at the time of the incident. Investigators are working to establish the precise cause of the crash. Federal Police spokesperson An Berger indicated that the bus driver appeared to have disregarded the crossing barrier. Infrabel, the Belgian rail operator, confirmed that the crossing system was functioning correctly at the time.</p><p>Frédéric Sacré, a spokesperson for Infrabel, described the impact as extremely violent, noting that the train operator had no time to brake before the collision. An Associated Press journalist at the scene reported that the minibus was overturned and severely damaged, while the train sustained relatively minor damage.</p><p>Approximately 100 passengers were aboard the train, but no injuries were reported among them. Rail traffic in the area was halted as emergency crews responded. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed his condolences to the victims’ families via social media.</p>