The crash occurred at a level crossing in the town of Buggenhout in the Flanders region.
A spokesperson for the rail operator Infrabel told AFP that the collision happened at a level crossing and it is understood that the collision occurred about 1km from the Buggenhout station.
Belgian media showed images of an extremely damaged minibus lying on its side beside the railway tracks.
The spokesperson described the collision as"dramatic" and that the "impact was extremely violent."
"It happened at around 8:08am when a minibus was struck by a train that was due to stop at the next station, which was about a kilometre away," he said.
The spokesperson posted to X: "With great dismay, I learnt of the tragic accident in Buggenhout, where a school bus was struck by a train. My thoughts go out to the victims and their loved ones. I wish the injured much strength."
