In brief
A small bus headed to a shuttle rail service hit a stationary freight train at the French entrance to the Channel Tunnel in Coquelles, near Calais, injuring 19 people including the driver and 18 passengers. Two severely injured men were evacuated by helicopter, but no life was at risk. French authorities say freight and Eurostar traffic was only briefly halted for a medical evacuation, with all Eurostar trains continuing as scheduled. The incident highlights the ongoing safety challenges at one of the world’s busiest transport corridors.
A bus carrying lorry drivers hit a stationary freight train at the loading platform of the Channel Tunnel in Coquelles, near Calais, before 20:00 local time, according to French officials.
The collision left the bus badly damaged and 19 people—driver and 18 passengers—injured. Two were taken to hospital by helicopter, but were not in immediate danger.
Sub‑prefect Agathe Cury said freight and Eurostar traffic was not affected, apart from a brief stoppage to evacuate the wounded.
Eurostar confirmed that trains running between London and continental Europe were unaffected, and all services would continue as scheduled.
The bus was on its way to a shuttle service that transfers lorry drivers through the tunnel; the riders were all men of various nationalities.
