France, Oct. 16 -- The bus was heading toward the tunnel entrance in the town of Coquelles near Calais when it veered off course and struck the side of the shuttle train at 19:27 on Thursday, the prefecture said in a statement.

It was carrying lorry drivers due to take a shuttle rail service.

Two people, including the bus driver, were hospitalised with serious but not life-threatening injuries, while 17 others sustained minor injuries.

About 200 emergency responders and other personnel rushed to the scene. Vehicle shuttle service through the tunnel was suspended for 90 minutes before gradually resuming by late evening, authorities said.

Eurostar passenger trains and freight services were unaffected.

The injured victims were of multip...