PARIS – A deadly collision occurred Tuesday morning when a high-speed passenger train struck a truck transporting military equipment at a railroad crossing in northern France, according to local government officials.
The train’s engineer died in the crash, which happened near the port city of Calais, a local prefecture spokesperson confirmed. Multiple passengers aboard the train were also hurt in the accident.
France’s Transportation Minister Philippe Tabarot acknowledged the fatal incident through a social media post, stating he planned to travel to the crash site personally.
The national railway company SNCF reported through its social media channels that the collision took place at a grade crossing situated between Bethune and Lens. Rail service along the route has been suspended following the accident.
