World · Europe · 1 hr ago
Bus and freight train collide at Channel Tunnel entrance, injuring 19
A minibus and freight train collided at the Channel Tunnel entrance in Coquelles, in northern France, on October 15.
The minibus overturned on the tracks near the boarding area, and the freight train could not avoid hitting it.
All 19 people in the minibus were injured, including the driver and 18 passengers.
Five were initially classed as critically injured, but officials said no one’s life was in danger and those cases might be downgraded.
Emergency teams were sent to the scene, including medical services and a rescue helicopter.
Freight traffic through the tunnel was suspended in both directions, and the last two Eurostar trains scheduled to leave Paris and London were cancelled.
Officials planned to brief the press later that evening, while services faced disruption for several hours.
A minibus and a freight train collided at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel in Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais, on October 15.
The collision injured 19 people, all of whom were in the minibus.
Five people were initially classified as being in critical condition, but none had life-threatening injuries.
The minibus overturned onto the tracks before the freight train hit it, according to TF1 Info.
Freight traffic through the tunnel was interrupted in both directions, and Eurostar cancelled its last two trains from Paris and London.
- Who
- Nineteen people in the minibus were injured, including the driver and 18 passengers. A freight train was also involved.
- What
- A minibus overturned onto the tracks and was hit by a freight train.
- When
- October 15, at around 20:00.
- Where
- At the cross-Channel terminal in Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais, at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A minibus overturned onto the tracks at the Coquelles terminal and was hit by a freight train.
The prefecture's initial toll reported 19 injured, including five in critical condition.
Freight traffic through the tunnel was reported suspended in both directions.
Eurostar said the last two trains scheduled to leave Paris and London had been cancelled.
A press briefing by the Calais sub-prefect was scheduled at the Eurotunnel headquarters.
- Injured
- 19 people
- Critical condition
- 5 people initially classified as being in critical condition
- Minibus occupants
- 19: the driver and 18 passengers
- Location
- Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais
- Cancelled trains
- Two final Eurostar departures from Paris and London
3 sources
What people are saying
No deaths have been reported at this stage.
The minibus involved ended up in a stationary train.