A train driver has died after a high-speed passenger train collided with a lorry carrying military equipment at a level crossing in northern France, officials and local media reported.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning between the towns of Béthune and Lens in the Pas-de-Calais region. Authorities confirmed that the driver of the high-speed TGV train was killed in the collision.

Several passengers were also injured in the crash. According to French media reports, two people sustained critical injuries, while 11 others suffered minor injuries. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The region’s president, Xavier Bertrand, confirmed the death of the train driver, describing the accident as a “terrible tragedy.” He expressed condolences to the victim’s family, colleagues, and railway staff.

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said he was traveling to the site of the accident along with senior officials from the state-owned rail operator SNCF to assess the situation.

Preliminary reports indicate that the collision involved a heavy goods vehicle transporting military equipment. According to local media outlet Franceinfo, the accident took place shortly before 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT), based on information provided by local officials.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the collision, including how the truck entered the level crossing at the time of the incident. Safety protocols at the crossing and potential mechanical or human factors are expected to be examined as part of the inquiry.

Rail traffic in the area was disrupted following the crash, with emergency and investigative teams continuing operations at the scene. (ILKHA)