Train Hits School Minibus in Belgium Killing Four
A train hit a school minibus at a railway crossing in Belgium on Tuesday. Four people were killed and five others were hurt.
The crossing was near Buggenhout in northern Belgium. The two children killed were aged 12 and 15.
The minibus driver and a chaperone also died. The five injured children were in a serious condition but are now stable.
No train passengers were hurt. The students attended a special education school.
CCTV footage showed the crossing barriers were down and warning lights were on. This suggests the minibus may have passed through a closed barrier. An investigation is now under way.
Klear Note — Railway crossings have barriers and lights to stop vehicles when trains approach. Drivers must wait for barriers to fully open before crossing.
Key Terms 3
- level crossing A place where a road crosses a railway track
- chaperone An adult who supervises children on a trip
- CCTV Security cameras that record video footage