Multiple people have died after a college bus collided with a train in Belgium.
The crash, which has also left several people injured, took place at around 8.15am local time (7.15am GMT) on Tuesday on the crossing at Stationsstraat in Buggenhout.
Belgium’s transport minister, Jean-Luc Crucke, confirmed two teenagers, the bus driver and one other adult are amongst those that died within the collision, which he described as ‘tragic’.
He said: ‘My first thoughts are with the victims, but in addition with those that were injured and their families.’
Images of the crash showed a vehicle, considered the bus, had been flipped onto its side.
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Rail operator Infrabel said barriers to stop traffic because the train passed were down, and warning lights were lively when the collision took place.
It is known that around 100 passengers were onboard the train and nine people – the motive force, an attendant, and 7 secondary school-aged children – were on the bus.
VRT News added: ‘The kids were attending a college for special needs children.’
Belgium’s justice minister Annelies Verlinden said ‘words fail’ to explain how she felt following the news.
In a post to social media, she said: ‘My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the victims, the youngsters, their families, and everybody affected by this tragedy today. I wish everyone much warm closeness.
‘Thanks to the emergency services and the police for his or her swift intervention and their sustained efforts on site. The prosecutor’s office is in fact also continuing to follow up on this accident.’
In accordance with local news outlet De Morgen, the minibus was transporting pupils to a college that provides special education, referred to as SEND within the UK.
Police said the incident ‘mainly concerns children from secondary education.’
‘The relations are actually being informed personally first,’ officers added.
‘They’re currently being cared for and supported at a close-by school.’
The explanation for the crash is under investigation.
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