Minibus Crash in Channel Tunnel Injures 19, Disrupts Service

A minibus carrying truck drivers crashed into a shuttle train in the Channel Tunnel on Thursday, resulting in 19 injuries and a brief disruption to cross-Channel traffic. French authorities reported that two individuals sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries, while 17 others suffered minor injuries. The driver of the minibus was among those injured.

The incident occurred as the minibus was approaching the tunnel entrance when it veered off course and struck the side of the shuttle train. Approximately 200 emergency responders were dispatched to the scene.

Vehicle shuttle service through the tunnel was suspended for about 90 minutes before gradually resuming later that evening. Eurostar passenger trains and freight services were not impacted by the collision. The injured individuals were of multiple nationalities, and their respective consulates have been notified, according to local official Agathe Cury. All those injured were on board the minibus and are men.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Cury noted that this appears to be the first such incident to occur in the train loading area of the Channel Tunnel. The collision took place at the tunnel's entrance in Coquelles, near Calais, France. The Channel Tunnel, which opened in 1994, transports millions of passengers and vehicles annually.