Four children, three thought to be from the same family, have been killed when a train hit an electric cargo bike at a manned level crossing in Oss. Another child and an adult were badly injured in the accident, police said.

The children were being taken from their ‘before school’ daycare centre to school when, eyewitnesses say, the vehicle, known as a stint or a bolderkar in Dutch, drove through the level crossing barriers.

According to some eyewitnesses, it appeared as if the brakes had failed.

The accident happened shortly after 8.30am and was witnessed by several people, including children. The prime minister, queen Maxima and other politicians have expressed their horror at the accident and sent their condolences to the family and friends of those who died.

Officials in Oss are holding a news conference at 1am.

In July, the Dutch safety board slammed the ‘unacceptable’ way an average of 11 people are killed in accidents on railway level crossings every year.

It said the fragmented approach and lack of focus at the infrastructure ministry are stalling efforts to improve safety at crossings.

The Netherlands is the only country within the EU where so many roads cross so many railways, the OVV said. ‘This is not a good combination.’