A fatal train crash occurred this morning when a high-speed train collided with a truck at a level crossing, resulting in the death of the train driver. The incident took place in Noeux-les-Mines, located approximately 50 miles east of Calais, as reported by French media. The TGV train, operating on the Dunkirk-Paris line, collided with the trailer of an army truck.
According to initial police reports, the train driver lost his life in the collision. Although early reports suggested around 30 individuals were injured, including the truck driver, later updates by French media indicated that two people were critically injured, while 11 others sustained injuries.
The prefect of the department, François-Xavier Lauch, mentioned at a press conference that the TGV train struck the lorry at a speed of 160 km/h, traveling several hundred meters before stopping. The driver of the truck involved in the collision has been detained, as confirmed by public prosecutor Etienne Thieffry.
An investigation into manslaughter has been initiated in response to the tragic incident. TGV trains are renowned for their high speeds, with regular commercial operations reaching up to 320 km/h on high-speed rail lines. In 2007, a modified TGV set a world rail speed record of 574.8 km/h.
The exact speed of the train at the time of the collision remains unknown. Images from the scene depict the damaged sections of the train, with the rail section expected to be closed for the day. Firefighters and police were observed at the crash site following the collision between the TGV train and the military equipment-carrying truck.
The French Federation of Rail Workers’ Unions expressed shock over the incident and demanded transparency and commitments from public authorities. The truck involved in the collision was part of a military convoy transporting a mobile bridge, as per reports. Emergency crews were seen extracting a person from the train wreckage at the crash site.
Reports from Le Monde indicated that two individuals were in critical condition, while 11 others sustained minor injuries. The number of injured individuals in the crash varied in initial reports but was eventually confirmed by officials. Rail operator SNCF reported that there were 243 passengers on board the train during the crash.
Rail services on the affected line are expected to be disrupted for the remainder of the day, with all trains suspended in both directions. Buses have been arranged to assist in evacuating passengers. Fabien Villedieu of SUD Rail expressed condolences for the deceased train driver and highlighted the tragic nature of the accident. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabaro and SNCF’s President-Director General Jean Castex are heading to the crash site.
The damaged driver’s cabin of the TGV train, along with the collision site between Béthune and Lens, was captured in images from the scene. The French Minister of Transport announced the visit to the crash site in a social media post. French rail company SNCF facilitated passenger evacuation as train services remained suspended on the disrupted Béthune-Arras line.
