1996 Channel Tunnel Fire

1996 Channel Tunnel Fire

The Channel Tunnel fire of 18 November 1996 occurred on a train carrying Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and their drivers through the Channel Tunnel from France to the United Kingdom (UK). The fire was seen on train as it entered the tunnel and, in line with the policy at the time, an attempt was made to drive to the UK where the fire would be dealt with. However, after an indication of serious problem with the train, the driver stopped at 21:58, 19 kilometres (12 mi) into the tunnel. The locomotive and passenger coach were rapidly enveloped in thick smoke and the locomotive lost power. Reconfiguration of the tunnel ventilation systems was delayed, however by 22:30 all passengers and crew were safe in the service tunnel with minor injuries.

Firefighters fought the fire overnight and it was declared out at 11:15 the following morning. The fire damaged about 500 metres (1,600 ft) of tunnel. The HGV shuttle service was suspended, and the other services restarted using single track working in the adjacent tunnel, reducing capacity until repairs were completed. The tunnel was fully reopened and the HGV shuttle service restarted on 15 May 1997.

Eurotunnel changed the policy of attempting to run trains on fire through the tunnel to one of evacuating the passengers as soon as possible. During the incident, control centre staff had been overwhelmed and improved training was given, including joint exercises with the local emergency services.