Major accident near the Channel Tunnel: what we know

A minibus collided with a freight train at the loading platform of the Channel Tunnel’s French side Thursday evening, injuring 19 people, according to the prefecture of Pas-de-Calais. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m., and while the Eurostar passenger trains and freight services continued operating normally, the LeShuttle passenger rail service was disrupted for one and a half hours. The minibus was carrying truck drivers preparing to board a LeShuttle train, which transports vehicles and passengers through the tunnel. According to the sub-prefect of Calais, Agathe Cury, during a press briefing held around 10:30 p.m. near the Eurotunnel headquarters in Coquelles, none of the victims were in critical condition. Among the 19 injured, who hailed from different countries, was the minibus driver, an employee of Eurotunnel. Two individuals required emergency transport to the hospital in Lille, while the remaining 17 received treatment at nearby hospitals. Emergency services, including a helicopter from the Mobile Emergency and Resuscitation Unit (SMUR), firefighters, border police, and approximately 100 Eurotunnel staff, responded to the scene. The area was cordoned off Thursday night, with reporters observing from a distance the flashing lights of rescue vehicles and hearing the sound of the helicopter. According to Cury, two shuttle trains were present at the platform: one being loaded with trucks for a cross-channel journey, and another already prepared for departure. For reasons currently unknown, the minibus struck the departing train, though it did not overturn. She noted this was the first time such an accident had occurred at a loading platform at the site. An investigation into the incident has been launched under the category of involuntary injuries, stated the prosecutor of Boulogne-sur-Mer, Cécile Gressier. Emergency response efforts included the deployment of 55 firefighters, 25 medical personnel, 20 border police officers, and 100 Eurotunnel employees. A psychological crisis unit was activated to assist those affected. The alert was raised at 7:27 p.m., prompting the rapid mobilization of these resources. The disruption of the LeShuttle traffic lasted approximately one and a half hours before resuming normal operations. Passenger consulates were informed of the situation involving foreign nationals among the injured. The collision took place at the Eurotunnel facility in Coquelles, located in the Pas-de-Calais department. The incident highlights the potential risks associated with the logistics of transporting vehicles through the Channel Tunnel.