Béthune

Béthune, a town in the Pas-de-Calais region of northern France, is in the news due to a fatal collision between a TGV (high-speed train) and a truck. The accident occurred on April 7, 2026, at a level crossing between Béthune and Lens, specifically in Bully-les-Mines. The collision resulted in the death of the TGV driver, Claudio D., and injuries to multiple passengers, with initial reports indicating 16 injured, including two seriously. The truck driver, a 30-year-old Polish national residing in France, who was transporting a military mobile bridge, has been placed under investigation for vehicular homicide. The incident has disrupted rail traffic on the Lens-Béthune line and raised concerns about level crossing safety, despite significant investments in safety measures. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the accident, including whether safety protocols were followed.