A bus carrying lorry drivers crashed into a stationary freight train near the French entrance to the Channel Tunnel on Thursday evening, injuring 19 people, according to French authorities. The incident occurred at the loading platform in Coquelles, near Calais, at approximately 7:27 PM local time.

The bus was transporting individuals who were scheduled to board a shuttle rail service. The driver and one passenger sustained severe injuries and were transported by helicopter for medical attention. Local officials confirmed that none of the injuries are considered life-threatening.

Agathe Cury, a local sub-prefect, stated that the collision involved a minibus striking a departing train for an unknown reason. The bus remained upright, but the impact caused injuries to its occupants. The individuals on board were all men of various nationalities, and it remains unclear if any British nationals were among the injured.

Despite the incident, freight and Eurostar passenger traffic through the Channel Tunnel experienced only a brief stoppage. Emergency crews were observed at the scene, and an investigation into the cause of the collision has been launched. This marks the first such incident on an Eurotunnel loading platform, according to Cury.

Witnesses reported seeing emergency vehicles concentrated on one of the platforms as they entered France. Traffic flow at check-in points appeared to continue with minimal disruption. Photos circulating from the scene showed a damaged minibus alongside a train, surrounded by emergency personnel.

Eurostar confirmed that the incident occurred several kilometers away from the Channel Tunnel itself and would not impact their train services operating between London and continental Europe. All Eurostar trains were expected to run as scheduled.

The Channel Tunnel connects Folkestone in Kent, England, with Coquelles on the French coast. Three primary rail services utilize the tunnel: Eurostar passenger trains, freight trains carrying goods, and Le Shuttle, which transports vehicles.

The exact cause of the collision is still under investigation by French authorities. Further details regarding the nationalities of the injured and the sequence of events leading up to the crash are expected to be released as the inquiry progresses.