Minibus carrying HGV drivers smashes into stationary Channel Tunnel train near Calais, leaving 19 injured
A minibus transporting lorry drivers to a LeShuttle loading platform in Coquelles, near Calais, struck a stationary freight train on Thursday evening, leaving all 19 men aboard injured. The driver and one passenger sustained the most serious injuries and were airlifted to the University Hospital in Lille, where both were placed in intensive care. Sub-prefect Agathe Cury said none of the injuries are life-threatening and confirmed that no such accident had previously taken place on a Eurotunnel loading platform.
French authorities mobilised around 200 emergency responders to the Coquelles platform, among them 55 firefighters and 25 intensive care teams.
The vehicle shuttle service was suspended for 90 minutes before gradually resuming; Eurostar confirmed its passenger trains were entirely unaffected.
More
BBC News - UKBus hits train stopped on French side of Channel Tunnel, with 19 injuredThe TelegraphTrain and bus crash at entrance of Channel TunnelThe IndependentMinibus slams into Channel Tunnel shuttle train, injuring 19 and halting serviceDaily Mail NewsNineteen hurt after train and bus crash at the Channel Tunnel entranceThe GuardianNineteen injured in minibus accident on Eurotunnel loading platformGB NewsInvestigation launched into Channel Tunnel crash as bus and train collision leaves 19 injuredMetroMinibus smashes into Channel Tunnel train leaving 19 people injuredLBCBus and train collide on French side of Channel Tunnel leaving 19 injuredEvening StandardNineteen injured after bus crashes into train at entrance to Channel TunnelThe IndependentBus and train collide at Channel Tunnel loading platform as French authorities issue statementThe IndependentChannel Tunnel collision between bus and train leaves 19 injuredEvening StandardNineteen people injured in Eurotunnel accident near Calais