Nineteen people injured in Eurotunnel accident near Calais

Nineteen people have been injured after a minibus was involved in an accident at the loading platform of the Eurotunnel near Calais, French authorities said.

The accident took place in Coquelles on Thursday night.

The Pas-de-Calais prefecture said in a statement: “An accident involving a minibus carrying Heavy Goods Vehicle drivers, headed to board a LeShuttle train, occurred this evening at the loading platform of the Eurotunnel site.

“Significant resources were immediately deployed by Eurotunnel, and subsequently placed under the authority of the Prefect of the Pas-de-Calais department.

“Early reports suggest that 19 people were involved, including the driver.

“At this stage, there are no fatalities, and no one’s life is considered to be in danger.”

A photograph published by local news outlet La Voix du Nord showed a badly damaged minibus on the platform, with police officers and staff in high-visibility jackets present at the scene.

Injured people who have been pixelated also appear to be receiving treatment on the platform.

A representative of the local authorities is currently on-site, the statement added.

An update is to be provided during a press briefing scheduled for 10.15pm.

Eurostar said the incident is not expected to impact their service.

It said in a status update: “An incident occurred several kilometres away from the Channel Tunnel.

“This incident does not involve or impact Eurostar trains running from and to London.

“All of Eurostar trains will run as expected.”