ALBAWABA- A regional train collided with a school minibus at a level crossing in eastern Belgium on Tuesday morning, leaving several people dead and prompting a major emergency response, authorities said.
The crash occurred at the Vierhuizen crossing in Deinze, near Ghent in East Flanders. Belgian officials confirmed that multiple fatalities have been recorded, though the exact number has not yet been released pending formal identification of victims and notification of families.
The minibus was carrying seven children and two adults when it entered the crossing despite activated barriers and warning signals, according to preliminary reports. The train struck the vehicle, causing the minibus to overturn. Authorities said no passengers on the train were injured.
Belgium’s Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden confirmed the deaths and described the incident as a “tragic accident,” while expressing condolences to the families affected.
Emergency services, including ambulances and helicopters, were dispatched to the scene, and rescue operations were completed by midday. The crash site remains under investigation.
Rail operator SNCB is working alongside local police to determine why the minibus entered the crossing while safety barriers were engaged. Investigators are examining possible causes, including driver error, mechanical failure, or visibility limitations.
The Vierhuizen crossing is equipped with standard automatic barriers and warning systems, and Belgian authorities say they are reviewing whether additional safety measures are needed in light of the incident.
The tragedy has disrupted rail traffic in the region and renewed debate over level-crossing safety across Belgium and Europe, particularly concerning school transport protocols.
