(SeaPRwire) –   A high-speed passenger train collided with a minibus carrying children in Belgium on Tuesday, destroying the vehicle and resulting in four fatalities—including two children—while leaving five other children in critical condition.

The severe crash occurred during the morning commute near Buggenhout, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Brussels, in an incident officials have labeled one of the nation’s most tragic rail disasters in recent years.

Officials stated that the minibus seemingly bypassed a lowered railway crossing gate just before being struck by the train, which was moving at roughly 75 mph. Surveillance video captured the vehicle crossing the tracks immediately prior to the collision.

There were nine individuals on the bus. According to the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office, the victims included the driver, an escort, and two children aged 12 and 15. The five survivors were transported to the hospital with severe injuries.

“We can confirm that the barrier was down and the red signal was active,” spokesperson Lisa De Wilde informed the press, noting that an investigation into the precise circumstances of the accident is ongoing.

Federal Police spokesperson An Berger indicated that the driver appeared to have driven through the crossing barrier. Belgian rail infrastructure manager Infrabel confirmed that the crossing equipment was operating correctly at the time of the incident.

“The collision was incredibly forceful,” Infrabel spokesperson Frédéric Sacré told the broadcaster RTBF, noting that the train conductor had “no time to brake” before the impact.

An Associated Press reporter on-site observed that the minibus was overturned with its front section demolished, whereas the train sustained only minor damage.

Authorities reported that approximately 100 passengers were on the train, none of whom were injured. Rail services in the vicinity were halted to allow emergency responders to work.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed that he was “deeply moved by the horrific accident in Buggenhout,” and shared his condolences with the families of the victims via social media.