A French high-speed train crashed into a truck at a crossing in northern France on Tuesday, killing the driver of the TGV and critically injuring two people, officials said.

The accident occurred between the towns of Bethune and Lens in the northern French region of Pas-de-Calais at around 7am, said rail operator SNCF.

Two people were in critical condition, while 11 others sustained less serious injuries, the prefecture said in an updated tally. Officials had earlier reported that 27 people were injured.

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First responders were seen examining the mangled nose of the TGV train, according to photographs posted on X by Fabien Villedieu of the Sud-Rail trade union.

According to a spokesperson for the prefecture, the truck was carrying military equipment. The truck driver was in police custody, a judicial source said.

Firefighters stand on a road after the collision between a TGV train and a truck. Photo: AFP
Firefighters stand on a road after the collision between a TGV train and a truck. Photo: AFP

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said on X he was heading to the scene with the head of the SNCF.

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