Serious incident in the Channel tunnel(Fire)

There are reports of a fire in the Channel tunnel, Its thought to be a Serious incident and this is a developing story,

All train traffic has been halted through the tunnel, which links England and France.

Details are still coming in. It is believed the fire is on the French side of the Tunnel.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service say they are dealing with the incident.

For anyone who has family members who may be caught up in this be rest assured that there are pleanty of exits within the tunnel,

Its thought that a train may be involved,


One to keep an eye on thats for sure,

Hopefully everone is safe,


link

* Its on the French side of the tunnel,

* Nobody known to be injured,

* 30 people where on a fright train and have been evacuated,


*Kent fire service are sending support to the area,

* all trains and traffic have been suspended,

*All passangers are safe according to news services,

*Fire started a 2pm London time

[edit on 11-9-2008 by asala]

That could be nasty for those involved.

I have never had the privilege of crossing the tunnel but it has always seemed like a possible death trap to me.

Even with exits available (not sure where they would lead:puz the smoke from a raging fire would travel fairly quickly.

My hopes are with those inside.

Chemical truck caught fire. No idea how it started.

French government have opened a joint emergency operation with the United Kingdom. 50 people evacuated from the tunnel.

[edit]

The 50 people are located in the service tunnel - rescue operation is under way. All individuals will be taken to the United Kingdom.

[edit on 11-9-2008 by infinite]

BBC is reporting three trucks were involved.

French press is reporting 12 individuals are being treated for smoke related injuries. What is interesting is certain chemicals are banned from travelling through the tunnel - which is concerning the French government.

[edit on 11-9-2008 by infinite]

French interior minister is heading to Calais to give a press conference and update the situation.

All travelling through the tunnel is suspended till Friday - but could be increase.

So glad that no-one's seriously injured but sorry for all those stranded at both ends.
Booked a coach trip to go through tunnel on Saturday but think we may be going by ferry now. Some reports say that services should resume on Friday but I doubt it. ('Google' for updates.) Ah well - I have anti motion-sickness wristbands at the ready.

[edit on 11-9-2008 by jenny52]

The fire is still burning according to Kent police.

Overheating on the brake system sparked a fire, that then spread to other trains.