High-speed train collides with military truck in northern France

On April 7, 2026, a high-speed TGV train collided with a military truck at a level crossing in the Pas-de-Calais region of northern France. The incident occurred at approximately 7:00 a.m. local time between the towns of Bethune and Lens. Local authorities and the rail operator SNCF confirmed that the train driver was killed in the accident. Additionally, 27 passengers sustained injuries. French Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot and SNCF CEO Jean Castex announced they were traveling to the scene to assess the situation. Train traffic in the area has been suspended until at least the following evening. While the accident site is identified as a level crossing in the commune of Noeux-les-Mines, some reports describe the location more broadly as being north of the city of Arras. Investigations into the specific circumstances of the crash are ongoing, as authorities have yet to clarify the immediate cause.