In brief
At about 19:27 local time a bus carrying truck drivers struck a parked freight train on the loading platform near Coquelles, just outside the French entrance to the Channel Tunnel. The impact left nineteen people injured – the driver and eighteen passengers – with two severe cases that required helicopter evacuation. Local officials said freight and Eurostar services were not disrupted, aside from a brief stop for rescue operations. The incident happened a few kilometres from the tunnel’s core and did not affect Eurostar trains running between London and Paris.
At about 19:27 a bus carrying lorry drivers hit a stationary freight train on the loading platform at the French entrance of the Channel Tunnel, near Coquelles on the outskirts of Calais. The crash left nineteen people injured – the driver and eighteen passengers – and prompted a swift emergency response.
Sub‑prefect Agathe Cury said two occupants suffered serious injuries and were flown away by helicopter, though officials reported no life‑threatening conditions. The incident caused a brief stoppage of freight traffic and a short pause for Eurostar trains, but the service continued without major disruption.
Eurostar released a statement confirming that the crash occurred several kilometres from the tunnel’s core and that all Eurostar trains to and from London would run as scheduled.
Local authorities are investigating how a bus – which should have been cleared before entering the tunnel area – struck the rail vehicle. Police have cordoned the site and cleared the bus from the tracks.
Passengers were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, while the driver and remaining passengers were taken to Calais hospital. No fatalities have been reported as of the latest update.
