Four people are dead and several others critically injured after a school minibus was struck by a passenger train on a level crossing in central Belgium this morning. The crash, which occurred near the town of Wetteren in East Flanders, has triggered an immediate safety inquiry as investigators scramble to determine how the vehicle ended up on the tracks. Sources confirm the minibus was carrying children and staff from a local school at the time of the collision.
Emergency services arrived within minutes, but three children and one adult were pronounced dead at the scene. The train, operated by Belgian national railway SNCB, was travelling at speed when it hit the minibus. Authorities have not yet named the victims or confirmed the exact number of injured, but local officials say seven people were taken to hospital, some in critical condition.
The level crossing, equipped with barriers and warning lights, is under scrutiny. “This is a tragedy that should never have happened,” said one investigator, speaking on condition of anonymity. “There is no margin for error here.
” The driver of the train, aged 44, was treated for shock and is cooperating with investigators. Belgian infrastructure manager Infrabel has launched an independent inquiry, and the federal prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal investigation into possible negligence. Documents uncovered by this reporter show that similar safety concerns have been raised about level crossings in the region before, but no action was taken.
Wetteren mayor Serge Van Parys described the crash as “unimaginable” and declared a day of mourning. “We are devastated. Our focus now is on supporting the families of those we lost and ensuring such a catastrophe is not repeated,” he said.
But questions remain. How did a minibus with school markings end up in the path of an oncoming train? Were the barriers fully operational?
What about the alarm systems? These are the details that will determine whether this was a tragic accident or a preventable disaster. The SNCB has suspended services on the affected line as investigators comb the wreckage.
Black box data from both the train and the minibus will be analysed. The minibus driver, who survived, has not yet been interviewed. For now, Belgium mourns its dead, but make no mistake: this inquiry is going to uncover uncomfortable truths about who failed these children today.
