Nineteen hurt after train and bus crash at the Channel Tunnel entrance

Published: 15:50 EDT, 15 October 2026 | Updated: 16:02 EDT, 15 October 2026 At least 19 people have been injured after a freight train and a minibus crashed at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel in France.The collision unfolded on Thursday evening near the tunnel entrance in Pas-de-Calais, sparking a major emergency response.Several fire engines, ambulances and a helicopter rushed to the scene as rescuers scrambled to help those caught up in the crash.Initial reports suggested at least five people were in a critical condition, with authorities reporting 'numerous injuries' following the collision.However, French authorities have since confirmed that 19 people, including the minibus driver, were injured but none of their injuries are believed to be life-threatening.Several of those caught up in the crash are understood to have suffered injuries to their heads and legs.The incident has also caused disruption to cross-Channel rail services, with Eurostar cancelling its final two scheduled departures from Paris Gare du Nord and London St Pancras on Thursday evening. The collision unfolded on Thursday evening near the tunnel entrance in Pas-de-Calais (file photo)The circumstances surrounding the crash, including how the minibus came to overturn on the railway tracks, remain unclear.The collision happened on the French side of the Channel Tunnel, which connects Folkestone in Kent with Coquelles, near Calais, in northern France.The 31-mile tunnel, which opened in 1994, is one of Britain's most important transport links with mainland Europe.It carries high-speed Eurostar passenger services, freight trains and LeShuttle services transporting vehicles between Britain and France.The tunnel consists of two railway tunnels and a separate service tunnel running beneath the English Channel.The accident took place outside the tunnel entrance, rather than beneath the sea.