In brief
At 19:27, a minibus carrying lorry drivers hit a stationary freight train on the loading platform in Coquelles, just outside Calais. The bus and train remained upright, but the crash injured the driver and 18 passengers—none of the injuries were life‑threatening. Emergency crews flew the driver and a passenger to hospitals. Eurostar and freight traffic continued after a brief pause, with Eurostar confirming no impact on services. Investigators are probing the cause of this first‑ever incident on an Eurotunnel loading platform.
A bus carrying lorry drivers crashed into a stationary freight train at the French entrance of the Channel Tunnel, causing 19 injuries.
The minibus struck the freight train on the loading platform in Coquelles, just outside Calais, at 19:27 CET. The bus and train remained upright, but the collision left the driver and one passenger badly hurt and evacuated by helicopter.
Emergency crews quickly reached the site and the injured were moved to nearby hospitals. Authorities said the injuries were not life‑threatening.
The tunnel’s freight and Eurostar traffic continued after a brief pause. Eurostar confirmed that passengers would not be affected.
Investigators are probing the cause, while officials note this is the first such incident on an Eurotunnel loading platform.
