Investigation launched into Channel Tunnel crash as bus and train collision leaves 19 injured

French officials have launched an investigation into the Channel Tunnel crash, in which a bus collided with a train, injuring 19 people. Authorities said two people were airlifted to Lille University Hospital with serious injuries, but the other 17 sustained less serious injuries. Others were taken to nearby hospitals in Helfaut, Calais, Boulogne, Montreuil-sur-Mer and Dunkirk. The terrifying collision happened at the Pas-de-Calais entrance to the tunnel at around 7:27pm local time this evening. The emergency response involved 55 firefighters, 25 emergency medical teams, around 20 border police officers and approximately 100 Eurotunnel staff. A minibus is said to have collided with the freight train in Coquelles, near the entrance of the freight tunnel linking France to Britain. The minibus was reportedly full of passengers at the time of the crash. The driver of the vehicle is said to be one of the 19 injured as a result. The vehicle was allegedly transporting a group of lorry drivers to the Channel Tunnel to board a LeShuttle service. The driver was also said to be transporting the passengers onto the platform when the collision took place. Photographs from the scene shared online show damage to the front of the vehicle, including the windscreen. Pictures also show emergency services at the scene, assisting the injured passengers. Several of those in the crash reportedly suffered injuries to their heads and legs. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Emergency services are still tending to the injured but are likely to need to transfer the most seriously injured passengers to hospital. In a statement, the prefecture for the Pas de Calais region said: "The initial report indicates 19 people involved, including the driver. "No deaths are to be reported at this stage and no lives are in danger." In a media briefing from the sub-prefect of Calais, Agathe Cury, it was confirmed that a "judicial investigation has been opened". She told reporters: "This is the first time an accident of this kind has occurred." Passenger services were temporarily suspended after emergency crews responded to the incident. Ms Cury confirmed that "everything is back to normal now". Freight and Eurostar services continued to operate as normal. The minibus driver was a Eurotunnel employee and the injured people were all men and of "different nationalities", she added. Follow related topics: