Belgium train crash latest: Two teenagers among four dead after school bus collides with train

Belgium train crash: Emergency services at scene after school bus collides with train

Two teenagers are among four people killed after a train collided with a school bus in Belgium on Tuesday, the country’s transport minister has said.

In comments reported by RTL, minister Jean-Luc Crucke said that the two teenagers, the bus drivers and another adult were killed when the train collided with the vehicle in the town of Buggenhout.

"My first thoughts are with the victims, but also with those who were injured and their families,” he said.

Railway operator Infrabel said the lights at the level crossing were red and the barriers were down at the time of the collision.

“We are trying to understand how this could have happened,” they said. “But our thoughts are now first and foremost with the victims and their families.”

Belgium’s interior minister offered condolences to the victims in a post on X.

“With great dismay, I learned of the tragic accident in Buggenhout, where a school bus was struck by a train,” he wrote.

Pictured: Forensic Police on the site of the crash

A Forensic Police officer inspects next to the damaged bus at the site of an accident after a train crashed into a school bus, at the railway crossing Vierhuizen in Buggenhout (AFP/Getty)

Forensic Police officers walk next to the damaged bus as they inspect at the site of an accident after a train crashed into a school bus, at the railway crossing Vierhuizen in Buggenhout (AFP/Getty)

Rebecca Whittaker26 May 2026 12:11

Recap: What we know about the crash in Belgium

Four people have been killed and five children injured after a train collided with a school bus in Belgium, Buggenhout on Tuesday morning
Two teenagers aged 12 and 15 are among those who were killed, federal prosecutors said
The Belgium transport minister has said two teenagers, a bus driver and another adult were among the four killed
CCTV footage shows the lights at the level crossing were red and the barriers were down at the moment of the collision
The minister for public works, Annick De Ridder, has said it is “too early” to place blame for the accident
There were about 100 passengers on the train, but no passengers were injured

Rebecca Whittaker26 May 2026 12:01

Deputy prime minister confirms two children died in the collision

Belgium's deputy prime minister Maxime Prevot has confirmed four people died in the collision, including two children.

“I would like to thank my colleagues from other countries who have already come forward to express their solidarity, and I naturally join them in offering my condolences to the families of the victims,” he said in a post on X.

“My thoughts are with them, and also with the emergency services who had to deal with this harrowing incident.”

Rebecca Whittaker26 May 2026 11:56

Minister says it's 'too early' to place blame

The minister for public works, Annick De Ridder, has said it is “too early” to place blame for the accident.

Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, a Dutch-language newspaper in Belgium, she said it’s “too early to place responsibility on anyone”.

Rebecca Whittaker26 May 2026 11:45

Watch: Emergency services at scene after school bus collides with train

Belgium train crash: Emergency services at scene after school bus collides with train

Rebecca Whittaker26 May 2026 11:40

Flanders president joins politicians sharing tributes

Matthias Diependaele, the Flanders president, has shared his condolences following the crash.

He wrote in a post on X: “Terrible news from Buggenhout. My thoughts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy.

“Gratitude to the emergency services who are doing everything they can on the scene.”

Rebecca Whittaker26 May 2026 11:26

The latest pictures from the scene

The scene of an accident between a train and a minivan, at the railway crossing Vierhuizen, in Buggenhout (AFP/Getty)

This video grab shows rescue workers on the scene of a crash between a train and vehicle in Buggenhout (AP)

Rebecca Whittaker26 May 2026 11:23

What do we know so far about the crash in Belgium?

Four people have been killed after a train collided with a school bus in Belgium
The crash happened in the town of Buggenhout on Tuesday morning
The Belgium transport minister has said two teenagers, a bus driver and another adult were among the four killed
CCTV footage shows the lights at the level crossing were red and the barriers were down at the moment of the collision
There were about 100 passengers on the train, but no passengers were injured

Rebecca Whittaker26 May 2026 11:16

'Today, Europe grieves with Belgium,' says Ursula von der Leyen

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was “heartbroken” to hear about the crash. She shared a tribute in a social media post.

She wrote in a post on X: “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.”

Rebecca Whittaker26 May 2026 11:10

Minister of Education shares tribute and thanks emergency services

Flemish Minister of Education Zuhal Demir thanked the emergency services following the crash.

She wrote in a post on X: “What heartbreaking news from Buggenhout. My thoughts are with all the victims, their families, and everyone closely involved. Much strength to everyone affected by this. Thanks to the emergency services for their efforts on site.”

Rebecca Whittaker26 May 2026 11:06 Newer Older

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