Belgium is mourning. A brutal collision between a train and a school bus at a railway crossing claimed the lives of four people. The tragedy occurred in the small Flemish town of Buggenhout, as children attending a school for special needs were returning home.
Witnesses describe a scene of horror: within minutes, dozens of emergency vehicles gathered at the crash site. Resident Willy recounted that shortly after 8 a.m., the streets were filled with police patrols, firefighters, and ambulances. The sound of impact, mistaken by some for a pop, signaled the disaster.
The aftermath was severe. Five children were injured. According to the school director, two may be discharged in the coming days, while three remain in critical condition and require intensive care. The situation remains tense, and authorities have refrained from detailed comments on the investigation.
A Town in Shock
The local community is grappling with the trauma. Residents are gathering at the site of the tragedy to lay flowers and express sympathy. A book of condolences has been opened at the town hall, where people write words of support for the affected families.
Especially poignant is Magda’s story. Her son was supposed to be on the very train that collided with the bus. She says he heard a strange pop but, wearing headphones, mistook it for part of his music. Only later did he realize the scale of the horror.
For now, official information is limited. The investigation continues, and Buggenhout mourns, awaiting updates on the children’s condition.
