Bus collides with freight train at Channel Tunnel entrance

A minibus carrying truck drivers collided with a departing freight train at the Coquelles loading platform near Calais, France, on Thursday evening. The accident occurred at approximately 19:27 near the French entrance to the Channel Tunnel.

Nineteen people were injured in the collision. The bus driver and one passenger sustained serious injuries and were evacuated to a hospital by helicopter. Local authorities stated that while the injuries were significant, none were life-threatening.

Agathe Cury, the local sub-prefect, noted that the minibus struck a train that was in the process of departing. The exact cause of the collision remains unknown. The vehicle remained upright following the impact. The minibus was transporting male workers of various nationalities who were preparing to board the Le Shuttle service.

Eurostar confirmed that passenger services to and from London were not significantly disrupted and continued as scheduled. An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of the accident, which Cury described as the first incident of its kind on a Channel Tunnel loading platform.