In brief
A bus leased to haul lorry drivers collided with a stopped freight train at the loading platform of the Channel Tunnel in Coquelles, north of Calais, injuring 19 people. The crash caused no major disruption to freight or Eurostar services, though there was a brief halt for emergency evacuations. Authorities confirmed two severe injuries and a helicopter evacuation. All those involved were men of different nationalities, and the tunnel's overall operation remained unaffected.
A bus carrying lorry drivers headed for a shuttle rail service collided with a stopped freight train near the French entrance to the Channel Tunnel in Coquelles, just north of Calais, resulting in 19 injuries.
The incident occurred at 19:27 local time (17:27 GMT). The bus struck the train on the tunnel's loading platform, causing significant damage to its front and side. Two passengers were severely injured and were airlifted by helicopter; the others were evacuated on site.
Local sub‑prefect Agathe Cury said freight traffic and the Eurostar passenger service were not disrupted, apart from a brief stop while emergency crews attended. Eurostar stated that the incident was several kilometres away and had no impact on its scheduled services between London and continental Europe.
Authorities confirmed that all people involved were men of various nationalities and that the incident did not threaten the tunnel's overall operation.
