Bus collides with stationary freight train near French Channel Tunnel entrance, 19 hurt

A bus carrying lorry drivers collided with a stationary freight train near the French entrance to the Channel Tunnel, injuring 19 people, according to French authorities.

The incident took place at around 19:27 local time on Thursday at the tunnel's loading platform in Coquelles, near Calais. The bus, transporting lorry drivers who were due to board a shuttle rail service, struck the train.

The bus driver and one passenger sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to hospital, though a local official said none of the injuries were life threatening. The remaining passengers also suffered injuries.

Local sub-prefect Agathe Cury said that freight and Eurostar passenger services through the tunnel resumed after a brief halt that allowed injured people to be evacuated. An investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched.

According to the official, one train had been in the process of being loaded with heavy goods vehicles ahead of a cross-Channel journey, while another previously loaded train was departing from the opposite side of the platform. The cause of the minibus's collision with the departing train has not yet been established.