A minibus transporting school children was struck by a train at the level crossing on Stationsstraat in Buggenhout, Belgium, at 8:08am.
Transport minister Jean-Luc Crucke said two schoolchildren, the driver, and a chaperone were killed.
Railway company NMBS reported that around 100 train passengers were evacuated by the fire brigade, with one treated in hospital for shock.
According to railway network operator Infrabel, the lights were red, the barriers were closed, and the driver performed an emergency braking maneuver in the moments leading up to the collision.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
