BUGGENHOUT, Belgium (AP) 鈥� Several people have been hurt in a collision between a train and a minibus carrying children in northern Belgium, federal police said Tuesday.
The accident happened at a level crossing during the morning rush hour near the town of Buggenhout, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of the capital, Brussels. Details about how it unfolded were not immediately clear.
Police said that 鈥渟everal people鈥� were hurt in the accident, but that they are unable to provide further details.
Belgian private broadcaster VTM said that four people were killed, but police would not confirm whether there were any deaths 鈥渙ut of respect for the families of those implicated.鈥�
VTM said the barriers at the level crossing were closed but that the bus appeared to try to cross anyway and was hit by the train. Seven schoolchildren were aboard the minibus, with a driver and an escort.
An Associated Press reporter at the scene said that badly damaged bus lay toppled on its side. Forensic experts in protective white suits and wearing gloves were taking photos of the scene. A white pop-up tent was erected nearby. The train was relatively unscathed.
In a social media post, Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin expressed 鈥済reat sadness鈥� over 鈥渢he tragic accident in Buggenhout, where a school bus was struck by a train. My thoughts go out to the victims and their loved ones.”
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