Nineteen people sustained injuries on Thursday when a minibus carrying truck drivers veered off course and struck a vehicle-transporting train at the Channel Tunnel entrance in northern France, according to regional authorities.
All of the victims were male passengers aboard the minibus, including the driver. French officials confirmed that two individuals were hospitalized with serious injuries, which are not considered life-threatening, while 17 others received treatment for minor injuries. Around 200 emergency responders and support personnel swiftly deployed to the scene of the accident in Coquelles, a town situated near Calais.
The crash took place in the loading area where shuttle trains prepare to carry motor vehicles through the underwater tunnel connecting France and England. According to statements from the regional administration, or prefecture, the minibus was travelling toward the tunnel entrance when it departed from its path and collided with the side of the shuttle train. The collision caused a 90-minute suspension of the vehicle shuttle service before operations began gradually recovering late Thursday evening. Eurostar passenger rail services and freight operations were not affected by the incident.
Local official Agathe Cury told reporters that the injured victims represent multiple nationalities and that their respective consulates have been formally notified, though she did not specify which countries were involved. In comments broadcast on French media, Cury highlighted that this is the first recorded motor vehicle crash at the train loading area since the facility began operations. The exact cause of the crash is currently unknown, and an official investigation is underway. Opened in 1994, the Channel Tunnel is a key transport link that carried 3.4 million vehicles alongside millions of Eurostar passengers last year.
The minibus driver was among those hurt.About 200 emergency responders and other personnel rushed to the scene.
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