Matthias Diependaele, the Flanders president, has shared his condolences following the crash.

He wrote in a post on X: “Terrible news from Buggenhout. My thoughts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy.

“Gratitude to the emergency services who are doing everything they can on the scene.”

• Four people have been killed after a train collided with a school bus in Belgium
• The crash happened in the town of Buggenhout on Tuesday morning
• The Belgium transport minister has said two teenagers, a bus driver and another adult were among the four killed
• CCTV footage shows the lights at the level crossing were red and the barriers were down at the moment of the collision
• There were about 100 passengers on the train, but no passengers were injured

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was “heartbroken” to hear about the crash. She shared a tribute in a social media post.

She wrote in a post on X: “I was heartbroken to learn of the tragic accident between a train and a school bus in Buggenhout today.

“My deepest condolences go out to the victims’ families and their loved ones.

“Today, Europe grieves with Belgium.”

Flemish Minister of Education Zuhal Demir thanked the emergency services following the crash.

She wrote in a post on X: “What heartbreaking news from Buggenhout. My thoughts are with all the victims, their families, and everyone closely involved. Much strength to everyone affected by this. Thanks to the emergency services for their efforts on site.”

Belgium’s transport minister Jean-Luc Crucke, has confirmed four people died in the accident.

“It concerns two children, the driver of the school bus, and the chaperone,” he said.

He also confirmed the level crossing was closed at the moment of the impact. “We have footage that proves that,” said Crucke.

The minibus that was involved in the crash was on its way to a school for special education, HLN reported.

The police have not released details of the victims.

“The family members are being informed personally first,” they stated. “They are currently being cared for and supported at a nearby school.”