School bus hit by train at level crossing

A train has collided with a school bus in at a level crossing in Buggenhout, East Flanders. VRT reports that several people have been killed, citing an official source.

The collision occurred at around 8.15. The circumstances are under investigation but CCTV footage shows that the crossing was closed at the time of the accident. According to VRT, the bus was carrying seven children and two adults, including the driver. Police have not released any information about the victims.

The train was travelling from Bruges to Buggenhout, where it was due to stop. “The level crossing was a kilometre before the station, so the train was already slowing down, but the impact was still enormous,” a spokesperson for infrastructure manager Infrabel told VRT. “The train driver did try to apply the emergency brakes, but it was too late.”

According to operator SNCB/NMBS, there were around 100 passengers on the train. No one on the train was injured, although one passenger was treated for shock.

“It all happened in a matter of seconds,” one passenger told Het Laatste Nieuws. “We felt a sharp impact and a window at the front of the train shattered, but we didn’t know what had happened at first.”

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic accident in Buggenhout, in which a school bus was struck by a train,” Interior minister Bernard Quintin said on X. “My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. I wish the injured all the best.”

^{#FlandersNewsService | The scene of an accident between a train and a minibus in Buggenhout, east Flanders, 26 May 2026 © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}