Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

A migrant has reportedly died trying to board a moving train from Calais to UK

The tragic incident took place this morning at around 5am local time in Calais

Siobhan Fenton
Friday 26 June 2015 14:48 BST
Comments
Protesting French employees of the company English Channel passenger and freight ferry company "MyFerryLink" block the railway tracks of the Eurostar Channel tunnel line in Calais
Protesting French employees of the company English Channel passenger and freight ferry company "MyFerryLink" block the railway tracks of the Eurostar Channel tunnel line in Calais (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

An Eritrean man has reportedly died whilst trying to board a moving freight train travelling from France to the UK.

The migrant, who has not been named, was found this morning at around 5am local time near the terminal in Calais.

A spokesperson for the Euro Tunnel said: “I understand that the person was pronounced deceased but we haven’t had any official confirmation of that.

“We don’t know what the circumstances are just yet, but obviously this is a very regrettable incident.”

This week, a strike by French workers at the port has caused chaotic scenes as migrants try to use resulting traffic tailbacks as an opportunity to board vehicles bound for the UK.

Migrants tried to board vehicles travelling to the UK as they were caught up in tailbacks due to a strike by French port staff
Migrants tried to board vehicles travelling to the UK as they were caught up in tailbacks due to a strike by French port staff (PHILIPPE HUGUEN | AFP | Getty Images)

The number of migrants camping at Calais has increased from hundreds last year to thousands this year as pressures force many from the global south to migrant northwards to escape conflict, including violence in the Middle East.

Migrants jump out of a lorry after being discovered by French gendarmerie officers
Migrants jump out of a lorry after being discovered by French gendarmerie officers (AP)

This week the deputy Mayor of Calais, Philippe Mignonet, called for the border to be moved from northern France to Britain amid mounting pressure on staff at the Calais port.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in