A bus collided with a stationary freight train near the French entrance to the Channel Tunnel, injuring 19 people, including the driver. The incident occurred at the loading platform in Coquelles, near Calais, at 19:27 BST on Thursday. No life-threatening injuries were reported, and freight traffic through the tunnel was not disrupted.
The minibus, carrying truck drivers heading to board a Le Shuttle train, struck the departing train. Local officials confirmed the collision happened despite the train being loaded with heavy goods vehicles. The bus remained upright but caused injuries to the driver and 18 passengers. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.
Eurostar and freight services through the tunnel continue as normal, with no impact on passenger or freight trains. Getlink, which operates the tunnel, confirmed that passenger shuttles were temporarily suspended while emergency services attended to the injured. The incident marks the first of its kind at a Eurotunnel loading platform.
French authorities have launched an inquiry into the accident, with no evidence of sabotage. The incident involved a minibus transporting workers who were about to board a shuttle train through the tunnel. The area around the tunnel entrance was sealed off, with emergency vehicles and a helicopter present at the scene.