Train kills 4, including 2 children, in Belgium school bus crash

A train slammed into a school minibus at a closed railway crossing in Buggenhout, Belgium, Tuesday morning, killing four people including two children and seriously injuring five others, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

Belgian officials described the crash as one of the worst rail accidents in the country's history. The collision raises renewed questions about crossing safety even when barriers and warning lights are fully operational.

The minibus, carrying nine people, appeared to drive through closed barriers despite an active red warning light at the crossing, located about 20 miles northwest of Brussels, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. East Flanders public prosecutor's office spokesperson Lisa De Wilde told journalists the cause of the crash had not been established. "What we do know is that the barrier was closed and the red light was on," De Wilde said.

Security camera footage showed the minibus was in motion when the train struck it. The collision sent the vehicle toppling on its side, with the front section severely crushed. Among the dead were the bus driver, an escort and two students — one 12 years old, the other 15. Five other children aboard were seriously injured.

The train had no time to brake before impact, Frédéric Sacré, a spokesperson for Belgian rail operator Infrabel, told the RTBF public broadcaster. "The impact was extremely violent," Sacré said. The train was traveling at approximately 120 kph, or about 75 mph, at the time. About 100 passengers were aboard the train; none were reported injured.

Infrabel said the crossing equipment was functioning correctly at the time, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Rail traffic in the area was halted immediately following the accident as investigators began examining the scene.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed condolences on social media, writing that he was "deeply moved by the horrific accident in Buggenhout. My thoughts go out to the affected families."

Authorities launched an investigation to determine why the minibus driver proceeded through the closed barrier. No cause had been established as of Tuesday, De Wilde said.