Bus hits train stopped on French side of Channel Tunnel, with 19 injured

Meanwhile, a bus has hit a stationary freight train near the French entrance to the Channel Tunnel, injuring the driver and 18 passengers, the French authorities say.

Key points

• Eurostar published an update saying: An incident occurred a number of kilometers away from the Channel Tunnel.
• This incident does not involved or impact Eurostar trains running from and to London.
• Two individuals were severely injured and evacuated by helicopter though no one's life appeared to be in danger, a local official stated.
• Those involved in the crash are all men and of different nationalities, she continued.

Meanwhile, the bus, which was carrying lorry drivers due to take a shuttle rail service, struck the train at the loading platform of the tunnel in Coquelles, near Calais.

According to Local sub-prefect Agathe Cury, freight traffic and Eurostar passenger traffic through the tunnel had not been disrupted by the incident, which occurred at 19: 27 (17: 27 GMT), apart from a brief stoppage to allow the injured to be evacuated.

Photos published by local French newspaper La Voix du Nord, external show a small bus with damage to its front and side standing alongside a train, among a crowd of emergency workers.

"This incident does not involved or impact Eurostar trains running from and to London. All of Eurostar trains will run as projected."

Taken together, the developments around bus hits train stopped on French side of Channel Tunnel, with 19 point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.