Tragedy in Belgium: school bus runs a red light and is hit by a train. Victims among children

A serious train accident occurred in Belgium, in the province of East Flanders, where a school bus was hit by a train on a level crossing in Buggenhout. The collision occurred around 8.15 am at the intersection of Stationsstraat and Vierhuizen Street. The news was confirmed by Infrabelthe manager of the Belgian railway network, who specified that at the time of impact the level crossing barriers were regularly lowered and the traffic lights were red.

How many people were on board?

According to what was reported by the VRT NWS broadcaster, they were on board the school bus seven schoolchildren, a companion and the driver. Although the federal police maintain maximum confidentiality and have not yet released an official death toll, several local sources speak of “numerous dead and injured“. The mayor of Buggenhout, Geert Hermansconfirmed that it was necessary for one of the people involved resuscitation on site.

On the contrary, no injuries were reported among the passengers on the train, which came from Bruges and was headed to Buggenhout station.

What were the causes of the clash?

The exact circumstances of the tragedy are still being investigated by the railway police. Infrabel he explained that the level crossing is located about a kilometer from the station: for this reason the convoy had already begun to slow downa factor that may have avoided even worse consequences. The train driver attempted emergency brakingbut the impact was still very violent since the school bus was on the tracks despite the stop signs.

The Minister of the Interior, Bernard Quintinexpressed his condolences with a post on