Bus hits train at Channel Tunnel in France, injuring 19
A bus carrying truck drivers crashed into a stationary freight train at the French entrance of the Channel Tunnel on Thursday, leaving 19 injured.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- A minibus carrying truck drivers struck a stationary freight train at the French terminal of the Channel Tunnel.
- The collision occurred at 19:27 local time on Thursday, resulting in a total of 19 reported injuries.
- The bus driver and one passenger sustained severe injuries and were evacuated via helicopter.
- Local authorities confirmed no injuries were life-threatening and cross-Channel traffic quickly resumed.
A serious transport incident occurred near the French entrance of the Channel Tunnel when a bus collided with a stationary freight train, injuring 19 people on board. The crash took place at the loading platform area located in Coquelles, close to the port city of Calais.
According to French authorities, the vehicle was a minibus transporting lorry drivers who were scheduled to board a shuttle rail service across the Channel. The impact occurred at precisely 19:27 local time, which corresponded to 18:27 British Summer Time on Thursday evening.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Local sub-prefect Agathe Cury explained that two trains were positioned on either side of the platform during the incident. One train was being loaded with heavy goods vehicles ahead of a cross-Channel journey, while another previously loaded train was departing the station. For reasons that remain under investigation, the minibus collided directly with the departing train.
Despite the force of the impact, the bus did not overturn and remained upright. However, the collision caused widespread injuries among the occupants, requiring two individuals—the driver and a passenger—to be evacuated immediately by emergency helicopters.
"The bus did not overturn, it is still upright – but the shock and the collision caused injuries to the people involved."
Agathe Cury, Local Sub-Prefect
The passengers involved were male workers of various nationalities preparing to board Le Shuttle service. Local officials noted that it remains unclear whether any British nationals were among those hurt in the unexpected crash.
The Channel Tunnel serves as a vital undersea rail link connecting Folkestone in Kent, England, to Coquelles in France. Operating three distinct rail services—Eurostar passenger trains, freight trains, and vehicle-carrying Le Shuttle—the terminal area manages complex logistical operations daily, making safety protocols at the loading platforms critical for continuous cross-border transit.
Sub-prefect Cury noted that this marked the first time an incident of this specific nature had occurred on a Eurotunnel loading platform. Meanwhile, Eurostar released a statement confirming that the accident happened several kilometers away from the main tunnel and did not affect scheduled passenger services running to and from London.
Source: BBC World
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