A devastating collision between a passenger train and a school minibus at a level crossing in Buggenhout, Belgium, has left at least four people dead and two others seriously injured. The incident occurred on the morning of 26 May 2026, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting an outpouring of grief from Belgian and European leaders.

The crash and immediate aftermath

According to the federal police, nine people were on board the minibus at the time of the collision: seven students, one accompanying adult, and the driver. The vehicle was operating as a subcontractor for the Flemish public transport company De Lijn. Transport Minister Jean-Luc Crucke confirmed to broadcaster RTL that the provisional death toll stands at four — two adolescents, the bus driver, and the adult chaperone — with two other people gravely wounded.

“Among the victims are also the bus driver and an adult who was accompanying the students.”

Infrabel, the Belgian rail network operator, reported that the level crossing was closed at the moment of impact, though the precise sequence of events has yet to be determined. Federal police spokesperson An Berger stated that railway police had carried out initial investigations but that no further information on the victims would be released immediately.

Local and national response

Buggenhout mayor Geert Hermans described a community in shock, telling a press conference that the toll was "particularly heavy" and that authorities had prioritized informing the families of victims and survivors before making public statements.

“We have been struck by an extremely serious accident. The toll is particularly heavy. We wanted to inform all the family members and relatives of the victims and survivors before this press conference. We are in shock, deeply affected by what happened today in Buggenhout.”

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed his horror on social media, writing that his thoughts were with the affected families. Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele also offered condolences, thanking the emergency services working at the scene.

European leaders mourn

Condolences extended to the highest levels of the European Union. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was "deeply shocked" by the news, declaring that "today Europe is in mourning with Belgium." European Parliament President Roberta Metsola described the pain as "unbearable," emphasizing that the continent stood united in grief.

“The pain and suffering are immense today. It is unbearable to imagine the grief that the tragic collision between a train and a school bus in Buggenhout has brought, on what should have been an ordinary morning. Today, Europe stands united in mourning with the families of the victims and with all those who have been injured and affected by this terrible day. Europe weeps with you.”

Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin also reacted with dismay, wishing strength to the injured. The investigation into the exact causes of the crash is ongoing.