Six hurt in Channel Tunnel fire
Sep 11 2008
Six people suffered minor injuries after a fire broke out part way through the Channel Tunnel, police said.
The blaze apparently started on board a lorry being carried on a freight train from Folkestone in Kent to Calais.
The fire was detected about four-fifths of the way through the 31 mile-long tunnel, Kent Police said.
Thirty-two people were led to safety through a service tunnel as French firefighters tackled the blaze.
French police said six police suffered minor injuries, including smoke inhalation.
The lorry, which is understood to have overturned on the train, was reportedly carrying the chemical phenol.
Eurostar suspended services in both directions while the British and French emergency services dealt with the incident.
Kent Fire and Rescue sent seven fire engines and South East Coast Ambulance Service sent four ambulances to help.
Severe tailbacks were reported near the tunnel and Kent Police advised drivers to avoid the area.
Eurostar told passengers at St Pancras it would decide overnight whether to run services on Friday morning.