A train crashed into a minibus used for school transport in Buggenhout, in the East Flanders province of Belgium. The incident took place at a level crossing in the town at around 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

Police confirmed that nine people were on board the minibus at the time of the accident: a driver, an attendant, and seven children, most of them of secondary school age. The children were attending a school for kids with special needs. The minibus was operating on behalf of Belgian transport company De Lijn.

The minibus was reportedly headed to Bruges. According to initial reports, the level crossing barriers were already closed at the time of the collision, though the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.

The train’s engineer triggered emergency braking but was unable to stop in time to prevent the crash. The train had already slowed down as it approached Buggenhout station. Around 100 passengers were evacuated from the train. One person was treated for shock and received medical attention at the scene.

Thomas Baeken, a spokesperson for Belgian rail infrastructure operator Infrabel, told VRT News: “The collision took place at 8:08 a.m. Footage shows that the barriers were down and the traffic lights were red. We do not know how the accident could have happened. That is for the police and the public prosecutor’s office to investigate.”

Belgium’s Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden expressed condolences, saying her heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the victims, the children, their families, and everyone affected by the tragedy, and she thanked emergency services and police for their rapid response.

Interior Minister Bernard Quintin also shared his thoughts on social media, extending condolences to the victims and their loved ones, and wishing the injured strength.

Train services between Dendermonde and Londerzeel have been significantly disrupted, with replacement buses deployed to serve affected passengers.