A fatal collision between a high-speed passenger train and a lorry carrying military equipment has claimed the life of the train driver in northern France. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning at a level crossing between Béthune and Lens in the Pas-de-Calais region.
Traveling at approximately 160km/h (99mph), the train was en route from Dunkirk to Paris when it struck the commercial vehicle. The impact caused the train to continue moving for several hundred meters before finally coming to a stop.
Local authorities reported that two individuals initially listed in critical condition are now "doing well," while 13 others sustained minor injuries. The lorry driver, who was not a military personnel, has been taken into police custody as investigations commence into potential aggravated manslaughter.
Jean Castex, CEO of France's state-owned rail operator and former prime minister, confirmed the deceased driver was a 56-year-old veteran employee. "My first thoughts go to his family, his loved ones and colleagues," Castex stated during a press conference, also praising two train staff members who assisted passengers calmly after the crash.
Castex noted there were no apparent issues with the level crossing barriers, mentioning that a slower train had passed through the same crossing just minutes before the collision. Regional President Xavier Bertrand described the event as a "terrible tragedy."
Rail services have been significantly disrupted, with direct routes between Béthune and Lens suspended until Thursday. Alternative routes are in operation, though other lines in the area are experiencing substantial delays as services gradually resume.
The rail union SUD-Rail has demanded "total transparency" in the investigation. This incident follows another fatal collision in southeastern France less than two weeks ago, where a regional train struck a truck.
While level crossing collisions remain relatively rare in France compared to other European nations, official statistics reveal 89 such incidents recorded in 2024 alone, resulting in 20 fatalities. This contrasts sharply with just six similar incidents in the United Kingdom during the same period. France has consistently recorded over 100 annual collisions in recent years, highlighting ongoing safety concerns at railway crossings.