A tragic train collision in Buggenhout claimed the lives of four people after a train struck a school van at a level crossing on Tuesday morning. The victims included two special needs students, the driver, and an adult escort, while two other children were seriously injured.

Authorities said the van was carrying pupils to a special needs school when the crash occurred near Buggenhout station, north of Brussels. Belgian Transport Minister Jean-Luc Crucke said security footage showed the crossing barriers were lowered at the time of the accident.

The crash has renewed concerns over railway crossing safety in Belgium, which has seen dozens of deadly level-crossing accidents in recent years. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed condolences, saying “Europe grieves with Belgium.”

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