Train hits school bus in Belgium, killing 4 including 2 children

A high-speed train struck a school bus at a level crossing near Buggenhout, Belgium, Tuesday morning, killing four people — including two children — and sending five other children to the hospital with serious injuries, according to The Korea Times, citing the Associated Press.

The crash, which occurred about 30 kilometers northwest of Brussels during the morning rush hour, prompted a criminal investigation after authorities confirmed that crossing barriers were down and warning lights were active at the moment of impact — raising the question of how the bus came to be on the tracks.

The train was traveling at approximately 120 kilometers per hour and had no time to brake upon reaching the crossing, Frédéric Sacré, spokesman for Belgian rail operator Infrabel, told RTBF public broadcaster. "The impact was extremely violent," Sacré said. The bus was knocked onto its side and badly damaged; the train was relatively unscathed.

The four dead include the bus driver, a bus escort and two children. Five other children were transported to the hospital in serious condition, The Korea Times reported.

Prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into the crash. Lisa De Wilde, spokeswoman for prosecutors, addressed the public at a news conference. "What we do know is that the barrier was closed and the red light was on," De Wilde said. Investigators are questioning witnesses and reviewing camera footage to determine how the bus entered the crossing.

Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin offered condolences in a social media post following the accident. "My thoughts go out to the victims and their loved ones," Quintin said.

Forensic experts were at the scene examining evidence, according to The Korea Times. The cause of the accident has not yet been established.

The accident occurred near Buggenhout, about 30 kilometers northwest of Brussels. Investigators said the cause of the crash has not yet been established and the inquiry is ongoing.