A minibus carrying lorry drivers struck a stationary freight train at the French loading platform of the Channel Tunnel near Calais on Thursday evening, injuring 19 people including the bus driver.
The collision occurred at 19:27 local time at the Coquelles terminal as the minibus, transporting workers preparing to board Le Shuttle, hit a train that was departing after being loaded with heavy goods vehicles. The bus driver and one passenger sustained severe injuries and were evacuated by helicopter. Authorities confirmed none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Local sub-prefect Agathe Cury said the cause of the collision remained unknown. "For a reason that currently remains unknown, the minibus collided with the departing train," Cury stated. She added that the bus remained upright despite the impact, with the collision itself causing the injuries rather than any overturn.
The workers aboard the minibus came from multiple nationalities. Cury noted it was unclear whether any British nationals were among those injured. She called it "the first time an incident of this type has occurred" on a Eurotunnel loading platform.
Cross-Channel freight and Eurostar passenger services resumed after a brief stoppage to evacuate the injured. Eurostar confirmed all its trains would run as scheduled, stating the incident occurred "several kilometers away from the Channel Tunnel" and did not affect its operations. Traffic at the check-in areas continued during the emergency response, according to witnesses at the scene.
An investigation into the collision has begun. The Channel Tunnel operates three rail services: Eurostar for passengers, Le Shuttle for vehicles, and freight trains for goods transport.