On Wednesday morning, a school bus carrying students from the WICO campus in Neerpelt veered off the Grote Baan in Houthalen-Helchteren and collided with a tree, resulting in five people sustaining light injuries. The incident occurred around 6:00 a.m., shortly before the entrance to the E314 highway, as the bus was en route to Paris for a school trip. According to the public prosecutor’s office, the driver may have become unwell prior to losing control of the vehicle.
The bus was transporting approximately 70 students and six supervisors from the fifth year of secondary education when it left the roadway and came to rest against a tree. Emergency services responded swiftly, with firefighters and medical teams arriving on scene to assist those involved. Three students, one teacher, and the bus driver were treated for minor injuries and taken to hospitals in Genk and Heusden-Zolder for evaluation.
Authorities confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening, and the evacuation process proceeded without complications. A firefighter spokesperson noted that one student had become partially trapped between the tree and a seat, requiring responders to shift the seat backward to free the individual safely. Despite the shock experienced by many aboard, the majority of students later decided to continue their journey to Paris after receiving clearance from officials.
The school’s coordinating director expressed deep concern over the event, describing it as a shock to the entire school community. Counseling services were made available to students and staff affected by the incident, particularly those who witnessed the crash or were nearby during the rescue operations. Parents were promptly informed through official channels, and arrangements were made for those who chose not to travel further.
Investigators are examining whether a medical issue experienced by the driver contributed to the departure from the road. No mechanical failure has been reported as a contributing factor at this stage. The bus remained at the scene for forensic analysis before being removed, and traffic on the Grote Baan experienced temporary delays during the morning rush hour.
Local officials emphasized that emergency protocols were followed correctly, crediting the rapid response of police, ambulance crews, and fire personnel for minimizing harm. The incident has prompted discussions about student travel safety, even though no changes to current policies have been announced pending the conclusion of the investigation.
As of the latest updates, the injured individuals are reported to be in stable condition, with expectations for full recovery. The school has not released further details about the identities of those involved, citing privacy concerns, but confirmed that all affected parties are receiving appropriate care and support.
For ongoing developments regarding this incident, readers are encouraged to consult official statements from the local prosecutor’s office or the Houthalen-Helchteren municipal authorities. Share your thoughts on school trip safety measures in the comments below, and help spread awareness by sharing this article with others who may find it informative.
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