Accident on the Eurotunnel site in Coquelles

Coquelles, 16 October 2026 - Following the incident that occurred yesterday evening at our Coquelles terminal, all Eurotunnel employees wish to express their shock and support for those injured, including one of their colleagues, as well as their families and loved ones. 

This event has deeply affected all our colleagues.

It is the first of its kind to occur on the Eurotunnel site since the start of its operations 32 years ago.

Background:

On Thursday 15 October, an incident involving a minibus transporting HGV drivers took place on the Eurotunnel site in Coquelles. For reasons that are currently under investigation, the vehicle left its lane before colliding with the side of a LeShuttle train ready for departure. 

As soon as the alert was raised, Eurotunnel teams worked in close coordination with the emergency services to ensure the swift care of those involved. 

Significant emergency resources were mobilised, initially by Eurotunnel and subsequently deployed under the authority of the Prefect of Pas-de-Calais. In total, 55 firefighters, 25 emergency medical personnel, 20 officers of the French National Police and 100 Eurotunnel employees intervened.

A psychological emergency support unit was activated to provide care and support to those who may require it. 

The incident involved 19 people, including the driver of the minibus. Those injured were attended to by the emergency services and transferred to hospitals in the region to receive the necessary treatment. 

There have been no fatalities and, at this stage, no life-threatening injuries have been reported. 

Agathe Cury, Deputy Prefect for the Calais district, attended the scene to monitor developments. 

The relevant consulates of all passengers involved have been informed. 

In terms of traffic conditions, Eurostar and freight services were not affected and continued to operate normally. LeShuttle passenger services were temporarily suspended for a total of 90 minutes while the incident was being managed. 

All cross-Channel services have resumed normal operations. 

The emergency services and Eurotunnel teams mobilised in response ensured the care of those involved and the restoration of normal operating conditions at the site.

About Eurotunnel: The historic brand of the Getlink Group, Eurotunnel manages the infrastructure of the Channel Tunnel and operates Truck and Passenger Shuttles (cars and coaches) between Folkestone (United Kingdom) and Calais (France).

Eurotunnel is the concessionaire and operator of the Channel Tunnel, the fastest, most reliable, simplest and most environmentally friendly route across the Channel until 2086.

Since its inauguration in 1994, more than 518 million people and 106 million vehicles have used the Channel Tunnel. This unique land link has become a vital link between the continent and the United Kingdom.

More information is available at:  https://www.getlinkgroup.com/groupe/eurotunnel/