TGV driver killed when train crashes into lorry at level crossing in France
Lorry was carrying military goods. A dozen train passengers were injured in collision
The collision took place at a level crossing
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A collision between a TGV train and lorry carrying military equipment in northern France has killed the train driver and injured more than a dozen passengers.
The accident took place around 07:00 this morning on the Béthune-Lens line near Nœux-les-Mines (Pas-de-Calais), when the front of the train collided with the lorry at a level crossing.
The train driver was crushed inside the cabin, with photos from the accident site showing the front of the train suffering heavy damage.
Two train passengers have been taken to hospital in a critical condition,with 11 others injured, reported the Pas-de-Calais prefecture in an update at 11:00.
State rail operator SNCF is yet to release official information about the accident, but the train does not appear to have derailed during the incident.
All rail traffic on the Béthune-Lens line will be disrupted until the end of the day, with delays on several other lines in the area towards Lille, Lens, and Douai due to electricity on the railway lines being cut.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot and head of the SNCF Jean Castex will visit the site later today.
