Uploaded June 2021 | Updated September 2026, 5 days ago
In November 1996, a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) train catches fire as it enters the Channel Tunnel linking Great Britain and France. In line with policy at the time, an attempt was made to drive the train through the tunnel to Britain, where the fire could be dealt with. However, 19 km into the tunnel, the train is forced to stop, as the train begins to become enveloped in thick smoke and systems fail. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were saved, with only two minor injuries, but the accident would force Eurotunnel to reconsider its tunnel fire policies.
Please note that this programme was made in 1997. There has been one other Channel Tunnel fire incident since then, in 2008.
In November 1996, a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) train catches fire as it enters the Channel Tunnel linking Great Britain and France. In line with policy at the time, an attempt was made to drive the train through the tunnel to Britain, where the fire could be dealt with. However, 19 km into the tunnel, the train is forced to stop, as the train begins to become enveloped in thick smoke and systems fail. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were saved, with only two minor injuries, but the accident would force Eurotunnel to reconsider its tunnel fire policies.
Please note that this programme was made in 1997. There has been one other Channel Tunnel fire incident since then, in 2008.
