In brief
In the early hours of Thursday, a minibus transporting lorry drivers collided with a moving freight train at Coquelles, just inside the French gate of the Channel Tunnel. Nineteen people, including the bus driver and 18 passengers, sustained injuries, mainly bruises and cuts; none were life‑threatening. The accident caused a brief halt of freight traffic and a short pause for Eurostar passenger services, but neither was significantly disrupted. Rescue teams swiftly evacuated the injured by helicopter, and investigations are underway to determine the cause.
In the early hours of Thursday, a minibus transporting lorry drivers crashed into a freight train at the French entrance of the Channel Tunnel.
At 19:27 local time, the bus struck the train on the loading platform in Coquelles, near Calais. The collision resulted in 19 injuries, with the bus driver and one passenger sustaining severe bruises and cuts. All were treated and evacuated by helicopter; fortunately, no life‑threatening injuries were reported.
The incident prompted a brief stoppage of freight traffic and a temporary pause of Eurostar operations, but services resumed shortly after rescue crews cleared the scene.
Sub‑prefect Agathe Cury confirmed that the traffic disruption was limited, noting that both freight and passenger trains returned to their normal schedule after the emergency response. The cause of the collision remains unknown, and investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses.
Witness statements indicate that the bus was on the platform with two trains on either side. While the bus remained upright, the impact caused significant shock and injuries to both the driver and passengers. Emergency teams arrived quickly, and the platform was cleared within minutes.
Eurostar issued an update confirming that the incident did not affect its service routes or schedules. All Eurostar trains were scheduled to continue their runs between London and continental destinations without delay.
The Channel Tunnel remains a critical link between the UK and mainland Europe, carrying freight, passenger, and vehicle services. Incidents such as this highlight the need for strict safety oversight at these high‑traffic maritime crossings.
