A high-speed train driver has died after his train collided with a lorry carrying military equipment at a level crossing in northern France, according to BBC News.

Collision Details and Casualties

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning between the towns of Béthune and Lens in the Pas-de-Calais region, French media reported. Two people were critically injured, and 11 others sustained minor injuries, according to local news outlets.

The region’s President, Xavier Bertrand, confirmed the death of the TGV driver and described the accident as a ‘terrible tragedy.’ He expressed his condolences to the driver’s family and colleagues, saying, ‘My thoughts are with his family, his loved ones and all the staff at who are mourning his loss.’

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said he was heading to the scene alongside the head of the state-owned rail operator SNCF. Tabarot confirmed that the collision involved a heavy goods vehicle.

Franceinfo reported that the lorry had been transporting military equipment. The incident occurred shortly before 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT), according to a local official. The train was traveling from Dunkirk to Paris.

Disruptions and Response

The regional rail network, TER Hauts-de-France, said traffic between Béthune and Lens would be disrupted until mid-morning, with services on certain lines resuming gradually. The BBC has contacted SNCF for comment.

SNCF’s Chief Executive Officer, Jean Castex, who previously served as France’s prime minister, has yet to publicly comment on the incident. Rail union SUD-Rail has called for ‘total transparency’ regarding the incident.

The incident comes less than a fortnight after a person died in the Var region following a collision between a regional train and a truck. Collisions at level crossings in France are relatively rare but occur more frequently than in the UK.

Level Crossing Safety in France

According to official figures, there were 89 incidents recorded in France in 2024, causing 20 deaths, compared to six in the UK. More than 100 collisions were recorded each year in France in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

France has seen a steady number of level crossing incidents over recent years, with the latest accident highlighting ongoing concerns about safety at these points. The train involved in the collision was a TGV, a high-speed service known for its speed and efficiency across the French rail network.

The lorry was reported to be carrying military equipment, though the reason for its presence at the level crossing has not been officially disclosed. Local officials are expected to release further details in the coming days as investigations continue.

The regional rail network has warned that disruptions may last into the afternoon, affecting both passengers and freight services. Officials have urged the public to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines at level crossings.