France train crash LIVE: Driver dead and dozens injured in horror high-speed collision

The driver of a French TVG train has died and at least 27 people have been injured after the train collided with a truck on Tuesday morning at a level crossing in Noeux-les-Mines, east of Calais

A rail crash in France has left a train driver dead and at least 27 people injured after a high speed TGV train collided with a truck at a level crossing this morning.

The crash occurred at a a level crossing in Noeux-les-Mines, about 50 miles east of Calais, according to French media reports. A TGV train traveling on the Dunkirk-Paris line collided with the trailer of an army truck.

A preliminary report from police sources said the train driver died in the accident, which has left at least 27 people injured.

08:57KEY EVENT

'All our thoughts are with our colleague who died on the job'

Fabien Villedieu, the Federal Secretary of SUD Rail, posted on X this morning to say: "Following an accident at a level crossing between a TGV and a truck in the HDF region, the train driver has passed away. All our thoughts are with our colleague who died on the job."

08:55Joe Smith

Van driver 'seriously wounded'

The man behind the wheel of the army van which was hit has been left seriously wounded, according to reports.

The TGV train travelling from Dunkirk to Paris when it collided with the army truck, local news reports have said.

08:50Joe Smith

Images show damage to train

Images from the scene of the crash show the damage to the driver's cabin of the TGV train. Emergency workers are at the scene of the collision between the northern towns of Béthune and Lens.

08:43Joe Smith

French Transport Minister heading to the scene

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabaro posted on X saying: !An accident involving a heavy goods vehicle and a TGV occurred this morning between Béthune and Lens.

"I am heading to the scene with the President-Director General of SNCF, Jean Castex."

08:43KEY EVENT

Train carrying 250 passengers derails

The TGV train was carrying approximately 250 passengers when it derailed after the impact, local news reports.

French rail company SNCF have arranged for buses to evacuate passengers as all trains are suspended in both directions on the usually-busy Béthune-Arras line.

The French Minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, said he would visit the site of the crash along with the President of the SNCF, Jean Castex. He made the announcement in a post on X (formerly Twitter).