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

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 at around 8pm 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.

Those hurt were all on the bus, which was carrying HGV drivers towards a Eurotunnel loading platform. 

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.

Sources have also now confirmed that the train was stationary at the time of the incident, and the bus had driven into it.

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.

A spokesman for the Pas de Calais prefecture said: 'An initial report indicates 19 people involved, including the driver. No deaths are to be reported at this stage and no lives are in danger.' 

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.

And Eurostar has confirmed that all of their trains will run as scheduled.

'An incident occurred several kilometres away from the Channel Tunnel tonight, not involving Eurostar. This incident does not impact Eurostar trains running from and to London. All of Eurostar trains will run as expected,' the statement read.

Before adding that although the last two trains running between Paris and London today were cancelled, this was due to engineering works, and not the collision.