Two schoolchildren and two adults have been killedafter a train collided with a school minibusinBelgiumon Tuesday morning. The bus had been carrying seven children, a driver and a chaperone when the crash occurred shortly after 8am local time. Images from the scene showed the minibus lying on its side in Buggenhout, a small town near Aalst, just over 14 miles from the capital, Brussels.

According to Belgian mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke, the barriers at a level crossing were down when the crash occurred. "My first thoughts are with the victims," he added. None of the around 100 passengers on the train were hurt, but one person is being treated for shock, Federal police spokesperson An Berger said.Trainsservices along the line were cancelled. "The bus was on its way to a specialeducationschool. It concerns mainly secondary school children," she added.

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"What heartbreaking news," Flemish education minister Zuhal Demir posted on social media. "My thoughts are with all the victims, their families and everyone closely involved."

CCTV footage showed the level crossing where the crash took place was shut, with local news reporting that the "barriers were down, traffic lights were red" when the train hit the minibus. Thomas Baeken, from Infrabel, the national railwayinfrastructurecompany, told VRT NWS that the "train was already braking" when the collision occurred, and that the driver had applied the emergency brake.

Mr Baeken added the rail company was cooperating with the police and the public prosecutor's office to try to "understand how this tragic accident came about."

I was heartbroken to learn of the tragic accident between a train and a school bus in Buggenhout today.My deepest condolences go out to the victims’ families and their loved ones.Today, Europe grieves with Belgium.

On X, the President of the EU Commission,Ursula von der Leyen, wrote: "I was heartbroken to learn of the tragic accident between a train and a school bus in Buggenhout today. My deepest condolences go out to the victims’ families and their loved ones.

"Today, Europe grieves with Belgium."

Source: Daily Express :: World Feed