Dix-neuf blessés dans un accident entre un minibus et un train de marchandises à la sortie de l'Eurotunnel

Nineteen people were injured when a minibus collided with a freight train at the loading platform of the Eurotunnel near Coquelles, France, according to local authorities. The accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, when the minibus struck a stationary freight train on the platform. The minibus was carrying 19 occupants, all of whom sustained injuries. Four of the injured were in critical condition, though none were believed to be in immediate danger of death. Two of them required urgent helicopter evacuation to a hospital in Lille, while the rest received treatment at nearby hospitals. According to Agathe Cury, the sub-prefect of Calais, the accident happened during a routine maneuver. She stated that two trains were positioned on either side of the platform, one being loaded with heavy goods vehicles preparing for a cross-channel trip, and the other already loaded and ready to depart. For reasons currently unknown, the minibus collided with the departing train. The minibus remained upright following the impact, but the force of the collision caused the injuries. Among the 19 injured individuals, several nationalities were represented, and the relevant embassies and consulates were notified. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. A total of 55 firefighters, 25 emergency medical personnel, 20 border police officers, and approximately 100 Eurotunnel staff were mobilized. An air ambulance from the Mobile Emergency and Resuscitation Unit (SMUR) was also dispatched. The area was cordoned off, and efforts were made to manage the situation efficiently. The incident disrupted passenger traffic through the LeShuttle service for about 90 minutes before resuming normal operations. However, freight train traffic and Eurostar passenger services continued unaffected. Eurotunnel confirmed that the accident did not interfere with its scheduled operations. Cury emphasized that this was the first recorded accident of this nature on a loading platform within the Eurotunnel complex. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, citing involuntary injury as the legal basis for the probe. The investigation will aim to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the collision. The minibus driver, identified as an employee of Eurotunnel, was among those injured. The remaining 18 passengers were also transported to local hospitals for further evaluation and treatment. Medical teams were on standby to provide additional care as needed. The affected individuals included professional truck drivers who were en route to board the LeShuttle train for their cross-channel journey. Local officials assured the public that the situation was under control and that all necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the injured. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols at such high-traffic transportation hubs. As the investigation continues, more details regarding the cause of the accident are expected to emerge.