Minibus Hits Stationary Train Near Channel Tunnel, 19 Hurt

A minibus struck a parked train near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel in northern France on Thursday, resulting in injuries to its driver and 18 passengers, according to local authorities.

The collision took place during the evening hours at the transport facility that serves as a key junction for passengers and vehicles crossing between France and the United Kingdom. Emergency services responded to the scene to attend to the injured.

French authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Preliminary reports suggest the train was stationary at the time of impact, though details regarding the cause of the collision remain under review.

The Channel Tunnel, which opened in 1994, handles approximately 15 million passengers and 1.2 million vehicles annually, making it one of the world's most critical transport infrastructure links. The incident did not appear to significantly disrupt broader tunnel operations, though local traffic management measures were put in place around the collision site.

No immediate information was available regarding the severity of injuries sustained by those affected or whether any passengers required hospitalization.