Channel tunnel crash: At least 19 people injured as minibus hits train in France

Collision at loading platform

The minibus was carrying heavy goods vehicle drivers towards a Eurotunnel loading platform as they prepared to board Le Shuttle. The Pas-de-Calais prefecture said the collision happened at the site in Coquelles, near the entrance to the freight tunnel linking France and Britain.

The prefecture said 19 people were involved, including the minibus driver. Local media initially reported five people in critical condition and 14 with less serious injuries; the prefecture later said none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Emergency response underway

Ambulances, a helicopter and police were sent to the scene, according to the prefecture. Eurotunnel mobilized resources, and the sub-prefect of Calais was at the site.

Eurostar services unaffected

Eurostar said the incident occurred several kilometres from the Channel Tunnel and did not involve or affect its trains serving London. The company said its services would run as expected.

The reporting describes the vehicle as a minibus in statements from the prefecture, while another passage calls it a coach. It also refers to the other vehicle as a train and, more specifically, a freight train.