A collision between a minibus and a shuttle train at the Eurotunnel site in northern France left 19 people injured on Thursday evening, local authorities confirmed.
Two people were hospitalised with serious but not life-threatening injuries, while 17 others sustained minor injuries. The minibus driver was among those hurt.
Vehicle Veered Off Course at Loading Platform
The minibus, which was carrying truck drivers, was heading toward the tunnel entrance when it veered off course and struck the side of the shuttle train transporting vehicles through the Channel Tunnel between France and England. Authorities confirmed that the vehicle did not overturn.
“An accident involving a minibus transporting heavy goods vehicle drivers who were about to board a Le Shuttle shuttle occurred this evening, at the loading platform of the Eurotunnel site,” the Pas-de-Calais prefecture wrote on X.
The crash occurred at the tunnel entrance in the town of Coquelles, near Calais. The prefecture confirmed that “no deaths are to be reported at this stage and no lives are in danger.”
Investigation Opened
The minibus driver was a Eurotunnel employee, while the victims were all men of different nationalities, according to local authorities.
The sub-prefect of Calais, Agathe Cury, said a judicial investigation had been opened, adding that it was the first accident of its kind at a Eurotunnel loading platform.
About 200 emergency responders, including ambulances, helicopters and police officers, were deployed to the scene.
Services Suspended Then Resumed
Vehicle shuttle service through the tunnel was suspended for 90 minutes before gradually resuming late in the evening, authorities said. Eurostar passenger trains and freight services were unaffected.
The tunnel, which opened in 1994, carried 3.4 million vehicles last year, along with millions of Eurostar passengers.
