A high-speed passenger train collided with a lorry carrying military equipment at a level crossing in the Pas-de-Calais region of France, resulting in the death of the train driver and several injuries. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning between Béthune and Lens, approximately 7:00 AM local time.
Reports indicate that two individuals were critically injured, while another 11 sustained minor injuries. The regional President, Xavier Bertrand, expressed condolences for the train driver, labeling the event as a 'terrible tragedy.' Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot announced that he would visit the scene along with the head of the state-owned rail operator, SNCF.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the collision involved a heavy goods vehicle, specifically a truck transporting military equipment. Rail services in the area will be disrupted until mid-morning as authorities oversee the situation. The train was en route from Dunkirk to Paris when the accident occurred.
This tragic event comes shortly after a similar accident in the Var region, raising concerns about safety at level crossings. French rail unions are calling for full transparency regarding incident investigations to ensure better safety measures.
Reports indicate that two individuals were critically injured, while another 11 sustained minor injuries. The regional President, Xavier Bertrand, expressed condolences for the train driver, labeling the event as a 'terrible tragedy.' Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot announced that he would visit the scene along with the head of the state-owned rail operator, SNCF.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the collision involved a heavy goods vehicle, specifically a truck transporting military equipment. Rail services in the area will be disrupted until mid-morning as authorities oversee the situation. The train was en route from Dunkirk to Paris when the accident occurred.
This tragic event comes shortly after a similar accident in the Var region, raising concerns about safety at level crossings. French rail unions are calling for full transparency regarding incident investigations to ensure better safety measures.
