French authorities investigate after a minibus carrying HGV drivers slams into a Channel Tunnel shuttle train, injuring 19

A minibus transporting lorry drivers to a LeShuttle service struck a departing freight train on the Eurotunnel loading platform in Coquelles, near Calais, at around 7:27pm local time on Thursday. Two of the 19 injured were critically hurt and airlifted by helicopter to Lille University Hospital, while the remaining 17 were taken to hospitals in Helfaut, Calais, Boulogne, Montreuil-sur-Mer and Dunkirk. Getlink, which operates the tunnel, said the minibus left its lane before hitting the side of the train. Sub-prefect Agathe Cury confirmed this is the first time an accident of this type has occurred on an Eurotunnel loading platform.

None of the injuries are considered life-threatening, and around 200 emergency responders attended the scene.

Eurostar confirmed its London services were unaffected, resuming normally after a 90-minute suspension.