• A French high-speed train collided with a military truck, resulting in the driver's death.
• 27 passengers were injured, with two in critical condition.
• The incident occurred near Béthune and Lens, disrupting rail services.

A high-speed TGV train in France collided with a military truck at a level crossing early Tuesday morning, leading to the tragic death of the train driver. The accident, which took place around 7 am between Béthune and Lens in the Pas-de-Calais region, left the driver feared dead, according to railway union representative Fabien Villedieu and confirmed by Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, who is heading to the scene, according to Reuters and Le Monde.

Reports indicate that 27 passengers sustained injuries, with at least two individuals critically hurt. The SNCF stated rail services have been suspended on the affected route, and the exact circumstances surrounding the accident are still under investigation. The truck involved was part of a military convoy transporting equipment, which added complexity to the situation, as stated in reports from SCMP and BBC.

The French President of the region, Xavier Bertrand, expressed condolences over the accident, which he called a "terrible tragedy," emphasizing the impact on the community and transport system. The incident marks a rare occurrence of serious accidents on high-speed rail in France, raising concerns and calls for transparency from rail unions, according to Reuters and BBC.