Bus collides with stationary train at Channel Tunnel, resulting in 19 injuries

A bus has collided with a stationary freight train near the French entrance to the Channel Tunnel, injuring the driver and 18 passengers, according to French authorities. The incident occurred at the loading platform of the tunnel in Coquelles, near Calais, at 19:27 (18:27 BST) on Thursday. The bus was transporting lorry drivers who were scheduled to take a shuttle rail service when it struck the train. The bus driver and one passenger sustained severe injuries and were evacuated by helicopter; however, none of the injuries were reported as life-threatening, according to a local official. Local sub-prefect Agathe Cury stated that freight and Eurostar passenger traffic through the tunnel was not disrupted after a brief stoppage for the evacuation of the injured. An investigation into the incident has begun. Cury explained that two trains were present on either side of the platform, with one being loaded by heavy goods vehicles for a cross-Channel journey, while another train that had previously been loaded was departing. The reason for the collision remains unknown. The minibus did not overturn and remained upright, but the impact caused injuries to those involved. The minibus was transporting workers preparing to board Le Shuttle, and all passengers were men of various nationalities. It is unclear if any British nationals were among the injured. Cury noted that this was the first incident of this nature to occur on a Eurotunnel loading platform. BBC correspondent Evan Davis, who was traveling through the Eurotunnel at the time, reported seeing emergency vehicles at the scene and noted that traffic was not significantly affected, as cars continued to queue for check-in. Local French newspaper La Voix du Nord published photos showing a damaged minibus alongside the train, surrounded by emergency workers. Eurostar confirmed that the incident occurred several kilometers away from the Channel Tunnel and does not impact Eurostar trains running to and from London, which will operate as scheduled. The Eurotunnel connects England and France, running from Folkestone in Kent to Coquelles on the French side, and accommodates three different rail services: Eurostar, freight trains, and Le Shuttle.