School Bus Driver in Belgium Crash Had History of Reckless Driving

Deadly School Bus Crash in Buggenhout Raises Questions About Missed Warnings

Just days after a tragic train-school bus collision in Buggenhout, Belgium, killed four people, disturbing revelations have emerged about the driver's history. The 49-year-old driver, who died in the crash, had been repeatedly reported for reckless driving by multiple bus attendants and colleagues. Despite at least seven formal complaints over several months, no action was taken. The incident has sparked outrage and a broader investigation into systemic failures at the Flemish public transport company De Lijn and its subcontractors.

The crash occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at a level crossing in Buggenhout, East Flanders. The minibus, operated by subcontractor 't Ros Beiaard, was carrying nine people: the driver, a 27-year-old bus attendant, and seven students from Richtpunt Campus, a school for children with special educational needs. The bus drove onto the crossing despite lowered barriers and flashing red lights. It was struck by an SNCB train traveling at approximately 90 km/h. Four people died: the driver, the attendant, a 12-year-old student, and a 15-year-old student. Five other children were seriously injured.

Repeated Warnings Ignored

An investigation by Belgian news outlet HLN and VRT NWS has uncovered a trail of ignored complaints. A former bus attendant on route 137 sent an email to the school three months before the crash, detailing the driver's dangerous behavior. "Children complain about his aggressive driving, some to the point of nausea and having to stop by the roadside to vomit," the email read. The attendant described the driver running red lights, tailgating, using his mobile phone while driving, and once flipping his middle finger at another motorist. She eventually went on sick leave in late April due to stress caused by the driver's behavior.

In total, she reported the driver seven times to both the school and the bus company. Each time, she was told no other drivers were available. Another former bus attendant told VRT that complaints about the same driver had been filed for six years. "They just assigned a different attendant to the bus," she said. A former colleague of the driver also came forward, saying he had warned the employer about the driver running red lights and crossing the same railway line with the barriers already down. He was told: "If you can find other good drivers, go ahead."

The school stated it forwarded all complaints to the driver's employer, as it had no authority over drivers. The province of East Flanders confirmed receiving complaints and passing them to De Lijn and the bus company. De Lijn said it was only aware of two minor speeding offences by the driver. The bus company declined to comment until investigations are complete.

Investigation and Aftermath

The East Flanders public prosecutor's office is now investigating the complaints as part of the criminal probe into the collision. "The investigation is in full swing," a spokesperson said. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed condolences, and King Philippe praised emergency services. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, "Europe cries with Belgium."

The tragedy has sparked a wider debate about oversight of private bus operators and the handling of school transport safety regulations in Belgium. Victims' families are demanding accountability, and calls for reform are growing louder.

FAQ

What happened in the Buggenhout school bus crash?

On May 26, 2026, a school minibus was hit by a train at a level crossing in Buggenhout, Belgium. The bus drove onto the crossing despite lowered barriers and red lights. Four people died, including the driver, a bus attendant, and two children. Five other children were seriously injured.

Had the driver been reported before?

Yes. Multiple bus attendants and a former colleague had filed at least seven complaints about the driver's reckless behavior, including running red lights, using his phone, and ignoring railway barriers. Complaints dated back as far as six years.

Why were the complaints ignored?

The school said it forwarded complaints to the employer but had no authority over drivers. The bus company and De Lijn stated they were not aware of serious issues, though the province confirmed passing on complaints. A lack of available replacement drivers was cited as a reason for inaction.

Who is responsible for school bus safety in Flanders?

The Flemish public transport company De Lijn contracts private operators for school bus services. Provinces oversee bus attendants, but the chain of responsibility for driver conduct has been criticized as fragmented.

What is the current status of the investigation?

The East Flanders public prosecutor is conducting a criminal investigation. The previously filed complaints are now part of the probe. No conclusions have been announced yet.

Sources

• HLN: Warning email from bus attendant
• VRT NWS: Investigation into ignored complaints
• NOS: Original report on driver's history
• Wikipedia: Buggenhout train collision