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'We smashed our way out'
Peter Allen in Calais12.09.08
A lorry driver told how 32 terrified people had to smash their way out of the shuttle train's restaurant carriage when the emergency exit jammed.
Patrique Lejein, 50, said panic gripped them after the train stopped and smoke filled the carriage.
The Belgian is the only eyewitness to have emerged from the Centre Hospital in Calais where injured victims are being treated.
He said: "We were all sitting in the club car at the front of the train when we heard two loud bangs, like explosions, and suddenly thick smoke swept through the carriage.
"The train came to a grinding halt, we were all thrown forwards, the lights went out, and there was total mayhem - people started to panic.
"People immediately flocked towards the emergency exit, but it was either locked or jammed, because it was impossible to open it. By this time, people were really starting to panic, and smoke was pouring into the carriage.
"In the end, one of the men on board - I think he was English - found a hammer from somewhere and we were able to smash one of the windows and climb out.
"We groped around in the pitch dark, looking for the emergency exit. It was like a bad dream.
"We didn't feel safe. I honestly thought I was going to die."
Mr Lejein, a diabetic who collapsed due to low blood-sugar when he reached mainland France via the emergency escape tunnel, added: "I'm terrified by the thought of using the tunnel in future, but it's my job."
Reader views (2)
On the news they were talking about lorries with dangerous loads. What on earth are they doing letting them use the tunnel? That could really be disastrous.
- Mark, London
The evacuation through the service tunnel went well. However, this is the second time in recent months that passengers had difficulties in getting out of the train first with doors locked.
- Patrick Griffin, Dalston, London
