A train collided with a van near Brussels on Tuesday morning, resulting in the deaths of two children and two adults, according to Belgian authorities.

The van was carrying students from a special education school. Kurt Moens, an education official for East Flanders province, confirmed the tragedy during a press conference at the crash site in Buggenhout.

Reports indicate the van contained seven children, a driver, and a counselor. Despite barriers being down and warning lights activated at the crossing, the van proceeded onto the tracks, said Thomas Baeken, a spokesperson for Infrabel, a transportation infrastructure operator.

The train’s emergency brake was used but failed to prevent the collision. Images captured on camera are being reviewed as part of an investigation into the incident, Baeken stated.

Buggenhout is situated less than 20 miles from Brussels. The deceased include two children aged 12 and 15, a 49-year-old driver, and a 27-year-old counselor, explained Lisa De Wilde, a spokeswoman for the East Flanders public prosecutor’s office.

Five minors were hospitalized in critical condition but stabilized by the time of the press conference around 1 p.m.

Messages of sympathy came from Belgian and European officials. Bernard Quintin, Belgian interior minister, expressed condolences on social media, while Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Union’s executive arm, shared feelings of grief.

A picture caption error was corrected, initially misstating the day the photo was taken.

Koba Ryckewaert and Jeanna Smialek contributed reporting from Brussels.