Jakarta, ThedailyID — Several people died after a train crashed into a school minibus carrying seven children in northern Belgium on Tuesday morning.
The accident happened at a railway crossing in the village of Buggenhout. Two sources told AFP that multiple passengers inside the minibus became victims of the collision.
Belgian television footage later showed the heavily damaged minibus overturned beside the railway tracks. Rescue teams also set up emergency tents around the crash site during evacuation efforts.
A police spokesperson confirmed that the minibus carried seven children, one supervisor, and one driver during the incident.
However, Belgian authorities refused to immediately disclose the exact number of victims when questioned by AFP.
“The impact was extremely violent,” said Infrabel spokesperson Frederic Sacre. Infrabel manages Belgium’s railway network. Sacre also described the collision as a “tragic event.”
According to officials, the accident occurred at around 8:08 a.m. local time. The train involved in the crash was reportedly scheduled to stop at the next station located around one kilometer from the site.
Meanwhile, emergency responders continued rescue and investigation efforts following the collision.
Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin also expressed sympathy for the victims and their families through a statement on X.
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” Quintin wrote. He also wished strength and recovery for those injured in the accident.
Authorities continue investigating the cause of the collision while railway operations around the area remain affected.
