Bus Collides with Train at Channel Tunnel Terminal in France, Leaving 19 Injured

A bus carrying staff members collided with a moving freight train at the Channel Tunnel loading terminal in Coquelles, near Calais, France, on Thursday. The incident occurred as the bus was preparing to board the 'Le Shuttle' service, which transports vehicles between France and the United Kingdom. Local authorities confirmed that 19 people sustained injuries during the collision, though officials stated that no fatalities are expected.

Local governor Agathe Cury reported that the bus driver and one passenger, who suffered severe injuries, were airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. The remaining 17 passengers also sustained injuries of varying severity. Cury noted that this is the first time such an incident has occurred at the Eurotunnel loading platform, and an official investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the collision.

Despite the emergency response, operations at the Channel Tunnel remained largely unaffected. While there was a brief pause to facilitate the evacuation of the injured, Eurostar and freight train services continued to operate according to their scheduled timetables. Eurostar issued a statement clarifying that the accident occurred several kilometers away from the main tunnel path and had no impact on passenger services between London and continental Europe.

Eyewitnesses, including BBC journalist Evan Davis, reported seeing a heavy presence of emergency vehicles at the terminal, though standard vehicle processing continued shortly after the scene was secured. Images from the local newspaper La Voix du Nord showed significant damage to the front and side of the bus, which remained upright following the impact. Authorities are currently reviewing safety protocols at the Coquelles site to prevent future occurrences as the investigation proceeds.