On Monday, March 17, 2025, tragedy struck near Arras when a military vehicle was struck by a train at a level crossing in Bailleul-Sir-Berthoult, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and leaving others injured. The accident occurred around 11:00 AM as the TER train traveling between Hazebrouck and Arras collided with the military vehicle. According to reports, this unfortunate incident is yet another grim occurrence at this specific crossing, where fatalities have been recorded before.
Witnesses described the incident with haunting clarity. One local resident recalled hearing the train's horn before the deafening crash, stating, "We heard the train honk, and then suddenly there was this huge boom. We heard people screaming inside the train, and we saw the smashed window." Another eyewitness mentioned seeing the vehicle on the tracks even with the safety barriers down, indicating serious safety failures.
The collision claimed the lives of two military personnel involved with the operation known as Sentinelle, which underlines the significant presence of military operations within France, particularly following recent national security concerns. A third soldier was reported to be seriously injured during this tragic event. Emergency services deployed several units to the site, attending not only to the soldiers but also to those aboard the train.
One individual on the train sustained minor injuries from shattered glass and was transported to the hospital along with the train's shocked operator. Reports confirm there were approximately 100 passengers on board the train at the time of the accident, all of whom were evacuated safely but understandably shaken.
The aftermath of the collision has led to significant disruptions as the Lens-Arras railway line was closed in both directions. Authorities have indicated the line will remain unavailable until investigations have been completed. While some trains are being rerouted, the rail operator, SNCF, estimates service could resume around the evening.
Local officials, including the mayor of Bailleul-Sir-Berthoult, Bernard Tournant, expressed deep concerns over safety at this level crossing, citing previous accidents, including one fatal incident just last June. Tournant stressed the urgency of evaluating the safety measures currently implemented at the site.
Both the Ministry of Defence and SNCF have confirmed the tragic accident and have begun thorough investigations to determine the circumstances leading to the collision. The Defense Communication Information Delegation stated, "We are deeply saddened to confirm the loss of two military personnel due to this morning’s accident." The concern over safety at this crossing could lead to renewed calls for improved measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
Authorities are working diligently to gather more information on the incident, hoping to ascertain all factors involved and how such tragedies can be prevented moving forward. They affirmed their commitment to not only assisting the victims and their families but also addressing community concerns over the safety of the level crossing.
The community remains cut off from regular rail service, with affected passengers redirected to buses to reach their destinations as the investigation continues. This latest incident adds to calls for greater scrutiny of transport safety, particularly at key intersections noted for prior accidents.
The future remains uncertain for the line, but locals are hoping for swift action and solutions to prevent any more tragedies from occurring at this perilous junction.
