Minibus collision with train at Channel Tunnel terminal leaves 19 injured

A minibus colliding with a shuttle train at the Eurotunnel terminal in northern France injured 19 people on Thursday evening, local authorities said. Euronews and the BBC both reported that the Pas-de-Calais prefecture confirmed no deaths occurred and no lives were in danger. [1][2]

The vehicle was transporting heavy goods vehicle drivers to board Le Shuttle when the crash occurred at the loading platform, according to Euronews and the BBC. The minibus driver was an Eurotunnel employee, while the passengers were male truck drivers of various nationalities, Euronews, the BBC, and the South China Morning Post reported. [1][2][3]

Reports differed slightly on the movement of the train. Euronews and the BBC reported that the minibus struck a departing shuttle train, while the South China Morning Post reported that the train was stationary. The BBC noted that two people were airlifted to hospital, while the South China Morning Post reported that five people suffered severe injuries. [1][2][3]

The vehicle did not overturn during the impact and remained upright, Euronews and the BBC reported. Local official Cury stated to the BBC that the shock of the collision caused the injuries. Authorities confirmed that the exact reason for the crash remains unknown. [1][2]

The Channel Tunnel opened in 1994 and spans 50.46 kilometres beneath the English Channel, serving as the sole fixed transport link between Folkestone in the United Kingdom and Coquelles in France. [9]