Several people have been killed in a collision between a train and a school minibus in Buggenhout in Belgium, local media report.

Axar.az reports, citing BBC, seven children, a chaperone and the minibus driver were on a level crossing in the town when the accident happened, Flemish public broadcaster VRT reported.

"What heartbreaking news," Flemish education minister Zuhal Demir posted on social media. "My thoughts are with all the victims, their families and everyone closely involved."

Federal police spokeswoman An Berger said the collision took place shortly after 08:00 local time (06:00 GMT), while the barriers of the level crossing were down.

She told VRT she could not immediately give details of the victims as families of those on the minibus were being informed first, however she said no-one on the train was hurt.