Train Hits School Van in Belgium, Leaving 4 Dead

A tragic accident occurred Tuesday morning near Brussels when a train collided with a van transporting schoolchildren, resulting in four fatalities. Among those killed were two children aged 12 and 15, according to Belgian officials.

The students were enrolled in a special education school. Kurt Moens, a deputy responsible for education in East Flanders, provided details during a news conference held in Buggenhout, the location of the crash.

Reports and official confirmations indicate that the van was occupied by seven children, the driver, and a counselor. Despite the crossing barriers being lowered and red lights flashing, the van bypassed them, driving onto the tracks. Thomas Baeken, a spokesperson for Infrabel, explained that the train’s emergency brake was applied but unfortunately failed to avert the collision.

The accident occurred at 8:08 a.m., and the incident was recorded on camera. These images will assist in the ongoing investigation. Mr. Baeken expressed deep sorrow over the event.

The town of Buggenhout is located less than 20 miles from central Brussels. Lisa De Wilde from the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office informed that the deceased included a driver aged 49, a counselor aged 27, and the two young students. Five other minors were transported to the hospital in critical condition; however, their condition stabilized by the time of the afternoon news conference.

The tragic event prompted condolences from both Belgian and European authorities. Bernard Quintin, Belgium’s interior minister, shared his condolences and strength for the injured through social media. Similarly, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Union’s executive arm, expressed that Europe mourns alongside Belgium.

A previous error in a photo caption related to the incident was corrected to accurately reflect that the image was taken on Tuesday.

The report is contributed by Koba Ryckewaert, reporter and researcher for The Times based in Brussels, and Jeanna Smialek, Brussels bureau chief for The Times.