Brussels [Belgium], May 27: Four people, including two children, were killed on Tuesday when a school minibus collided with a train in the Belgian town of Buggenhout.
The dead include two pupils aged 12 and 15, a 49-year-old bus driver and a 27-year-old chaperone, said Lisa De Wilde, a spokeswoman for the regional prosecutor's office.
The five other children on board were critically injured and taken to hospital but are in stable condition, she said.
"The toll is particularly heavy," De Wilde said.
The bus was headed to a special education school, according to local media. The school and the local council plan to set up a book of condolences and a memorial corner.
"Emotions are running very high. People are doing their very best to provide proper support, but it is difficult," said local politician Kurt Moens, who spoke on behalf of the school board.
Cause of accident under investigation The cause of the accident, which happened roughly 20 kilometres north of Brussels, is under investigation, De Wilde said.
The prosecutor's office confirmed earlier statements by rail infrastructure company Infrabel that the level crossing was closed at the time of the crash.
"What we do know is that the barrier was closed and the red light was on," De Wilde said, but many other details were still unknown.
Politicians express their condolences Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said he is "deeply moved by the horrific accident in Buggenhout. My thoughts go out to the affected families." Several Belgian politicians also expressed their condolences, along with senior European Union officials.
"I was heartbroken to learn of the tragic accident," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
"Today, Europe grieves with Belgium," she said.
"My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. Wishing all those injured a swift recovery," said European Council President Antonio Costa.
Source: Qatar Tribune