Four people, including two children, have died after a train collided with a school bus at a level crossing in the Belgian town of Buggenhout.

Several other children were seriously injured in the crash, which occurred on Tuesday morning as the bus was transporting students from a special needs school.

Deadly Collision At Railway Crossing

The accident happened at approximately 8:15am local time.

According to Belgian police, the school bus driver drove through a closed railway barrier moments before the collision.

Authorities said warning lights were active and the crossing barriers were already down when the bus entered the tracks.

Investigators have not yet determined why the driver crossed the barrier.

Children And School Staff Among Victims

Prosecutors confirmed that two children, aged 12 and 15, were killed in the crash.

A 49-year-old bus driver and a 27-year-old chaperone also died.

Five additional children were taken to the hospital with serious injuries following the collision.

One passenger aboard the train was reportedly treated for shock.

Investigation Underway

Belgian prosecutors have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Spokeswoman Lisa De Wilde said investigators are interviewing witnesses and reviewing nearby surveillance footage.

“What we do know is that the barrier was closed and the red light was on,” she said.

Belgian rail infrastructure operator Infrabel stated that the train was travelling at approximately 75mph as it approached the crossing.

According to preliminary information, the train driver had little or no time to react before impact.

Renewed Focus On Rail Crossing Safety

The tragedy is expected to renew scrutiny over railway crossing safety measures and transport procedures involving school buses.

Level crossing accidents remain a serious safety concern across Europe despite increased automation, warning systems and surveillance technology.

Authorities are continuing to examine whether technical, human or operational factors contributed to the deadly crash.