Arabic version: حادثة تصادم قطار مأساوية تودي بحياة أربعة أشخاص في بلجيكا

A tragic collision occurred in Buggenhout, northern Belgium, when a train struck a school minibus on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including two children. According to SBS News, the minibus was carrying seven children, a supervisor, and a driver at the time of the accident.

Images from the scene depicted the severely damaged minibus overturned next to a railway line, with emergency workers setting up tents around the area. The train involved in the crash, traveling at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour, remained halted on the tracks following the incident.

Frederic Sacre, a spokesman for Belgium’s Infrabel rail agency, described the impact as extremely violent, stating that the minibus was propelled approximately 15 meters into a metal pylon. Reports indicated that the barriers at the crossing were closed and a red light was illuminated when the collision occurred.

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot expressed his condolences on social media, highlighting the tragic nature of the event. Prime Minister Bart De Wever also shared his sorrow, sending thoughts to the affected families. Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen joined in offering their sympathies to the victims’ families and friends.