A tragic train collision near Arras, France, claimed the lives of two soldiers on Monday morning.

The accident occurred at a railway crossing in Bailleul-Sir-Berthoult when a TER train struck a military vehicle.

The soldiers were part of the 41st Transmission Regiment and were on a driving exercise.

Investigations are underway to determine why the vehicle was stationary on the tracks.

President Emmanuel Macron and Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu expressed their condolences.

Two train passengers sustained minor injuries, and the train driver was treated for shock.

This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at railway crossings in France, where 39 train-related accidents were reported in 2023.