A speeding passenger train tore into a minibus carrying children in Buggenhout, Belgium, on Tuesday, killing four people and leaving five others critically injured. The collision occurred around 20 miles northwest of Brussels during the morning rush.
Authorities say the minibus drove through a closed railway barrier as the train approached at about 75 mph. Security footage shows the bus moving across the tracks just before impact. Nine people were on board. The driver, an escort, and two children aged 12 and 15 were killed. The five surviving children were hospitalized with serious injuries.
“What we do know is that the barrier was closed and the red light was on,” said spokesperson Lisa De Wilde. Federal Police noted the driver appeared to have plowed through the barrier. Rail operator Infrabel confirmed the crossing system was functioning properly. The train operator had no time to brake, according to Infrabel spokesperson Frédéric Sacré. The minibus was overturned with its front end crushed; the train suffered minor damage. No injuries were reported among the roughly 100 passengers on the train.