Bus and Train Collide in Channel Tunnel, Injuring 19
A minibus and a train collided Thursday evening at the French end of the Channel Tunnel. Nineteen people were injured.
- 19 people hurt, including the minibus driver; no deaths reported.
- Minibus carried truck drivers due to board a Le Shuttle train, officials said.
- 2 final Eurostar departures from Paris and London were canceled Thursday.
- Injuries reportedly include head and leg wounds.
Why it matters: The tunnel is a main rail link between Britain and mainland Europe. It carries Eurostar passengers, freight and vehicle shuttles.
- Early reports put at least five people in critical condition; authorities later said no lives were at risk.
- The crash happened outside the tunnel, not beneath the sea.
How 10 sources split on this story
Where they split: Accounts differ on the setting: the Daily Mail and The Sun describe a freight train hitting a minibus overturned on the tracks, while the prefect's statement places the accident at the Eurotunnel loading platform and does not mention a train.
Left coverage, 3 sources: The left treats it as a contained accident and leans on the prefect's statement that no lives are in danger.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right centers a freight train striking an overturned minibus, with early reports of critical injuries and rail disruption.
What’s next: The Calais sub-prefect was at the scene. Authorities scheduled a press briefing for 10:15 p.m.
- Officials have not yet explained how the accident happened or identified the injured.
- How did the minibus end up on or near the tracks?
- Will the crash disrupt Le Shuttle or Eurostar service beyond Thursday?
