A school bus in Flanders, Belgium, has been hit by a train. Seven students from an adapted school, a tutor and the driver were on the bus, according to media reports.
The Minister of Transport confirmed the deaths to RTL .
"My first thoughts go to the victims, but also to those who were injured and their families," he says.
The school concerned is Richtpunt Campus Buggenhout.
Rescue mission
The accident occurred in Buggenhout shortly after 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
Pictures show the school bus - a minibus intended for school transport - lying on its side after overturning. A major rescue operation is underway at the scene.
According to the Belgian state-owned railway operator Infrabel, the barriers were down at the level crossing and the warning light was red. Infrabel said the train driver attempted to apply the emergency brakes.
Jean-Luc Crucke confirmed the crossing was closed at the time of the accident.
"We have film footage to prove it," he says.
Condolences
Around 100 people were reportedly on the train, but none were reported to have suffered any physical injuries.
The cause of the accident will be investigated. A press conference will be held later in the day, RTBF reports.
Condolences are pouring in after the accident, including from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who says she is devastated.
"My deepest condolences go to the families of the victims and their loved ones. Today, Europe mourns with Belgium," she wrote on X.
Corrected: In an earlier version of the text, there was a misleading description of the victims' age and school.
