Four Dead After School Bus Collides With Train in Belgium

A Belgian Tragedy: Widow of School Bus Driver Killed in Deadly Train Collision Pays Tribute to "Wonderful Father"

The widow of a Belgian school bus driver killed in a devastating train collision last week has shared heartbreaking tributes to her husband, describing him as a "wonderful father" and devoted professional. Nordine, who had been driving for a decade, was among four fatalities—including two children—when his minibus was struck by a train near Buggenhout on May 20, 2026. Investigators have described the crash as "excessively violent," though no official cause has yet been determined.

A Family Shattered

In an emotional interview with RTL Info, the widow recalled her husband’s dedication to his work and family. "He was a wonderful father," she said. "He loved his children more than anything, and he took his job as a school bus driver very seriously. He had been doing it for 10 years, and the children adored him."

The tragedy has left the Belgian community in mourning. Local authorities confirmed the victims as:

• Nordine, the 45-year-old bus driver (deceased)
• Two children (ages not disclosed)
• One additional adult passenger (name withheld pending family notification)

Investigations Continue as Authorities Seek Answers

The collision occurred on a railway crossing near Buggenhout, a town in the Flemish province of East Flanders. Belgian transport officials have not yet released a full report, but early findings suggest the impact was catastrophic. "The force of the collision was so great that it was almost impossible to recognize the vehicle afterward," a source close to the investigation told BFM.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with emergency services arriving within minutes. The Belgian Railway Company (NMBS/SNCB) has suspended all traffic on the affected line pending a safety review, though no immediate technical failures have been identified.

A Nation Reflects on School Safety

The incident has reignited debates about transportation safety in Belgium, particularly for schoolchildren. While minibus accidents are rare, the loss of two young lives has prompted calls for stricter oversight of railway crossings and driver training programs.

"This represents a tragedy that no family should have to endure," said a spokesperson for the Belgian Ministry of Mobility. "Our priority is to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future."

How to Support the Families

Those wishing to offer condolences or assistance are advised to contact:

• Belgian Red Cross (Croix-Rouge de Belgique) – Website
• Child Bereavement UK (for international support) – Website

Note to Readers This article is based on verified reporting from RTL Info, BFM, and DHnet, cross-checked with official Belgian transport statements. Details such as exact ages of the child victims and further investigative findings may emerge as authorities release their final report.

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