.svg)
Several people have been reported dead after a school minibus carrying children was struck by a train in northern Belgium.
The crash happened on Tuesday in Buggenhout, according to Belgian officials and local media reports.
Belgian Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden confirmed the incident and said authorities were responding to the scene.
Local reports said nine people were travelling in the vehicle at the time of the collision, including a driver, an attendant and seven schoolchildren, most believed to be secondary school age.
According to Belgian broadcaster reports, the children attended a school serving pupils with special educational needs.
Initial information from investigators suggests the collision occurred at a railway crossing shortly after 8:00am local time.
Rail infrastructure officials said CCTV footage showed the crossing barriers were lowered and warning lights were active when the train struck the minibus.
Rail operator representative Thomas Baeken said investigators are working to determine how the collision occurred.
He added that the train driver had applied emergency braking measures before impact.
Police and prosecutors have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Emergency services remain at the scene while authorities continue gathering evidence.
