Minibus collision with shuttle train injures 19 at Eurotunnel site
19 people were injured in a collision between a minibus and a shuttle train at the Eurotunnel site in northern France.
This incident marks the inaugural accident of this nature at an Eurotunnel loading platform, prompting a judicial investigation into potential safety shortcomings.
Agathe Cury, sub-prefect of Calais, stated, “A judicial investigation has been opened, as this is the first accident of its kind at an Eurotunnel loading platform.”
At least 19 injured as minibus collides with train near Channel Tunnel
Published on •Updated
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 said.
“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.
According to French broadcaster TF1, the minibus struck the departing shuttle train for reasons that remain unclear. Authorities confirmed that the vehicle did not overturn.
The minibus driver was an 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 an Eurotunnel loading platform.
Emergency services, including ambulances, helicopters and police officers, were deployed to the scene. None of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening.
Traffic through the Channel Tunnel remained operational following the collision.
Additional sources • AFP