Eurostar Services Suspended Between London and Paris After WWII Bomb Discovery, Thousands Affected
Eurostar services between London and Paris were completely suspended on Friday after the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb near the train tracks, sparking major travel disruptions for thousands of passengers.
The bomb was found in the Saint-Denis area, just north of central Paris, leading to the halting of 10 cross-Channel services that were scheduled to operate during the busy morning hours.
The situation unfolded early Friday when workers, who were moving earth near the tracks, unearthed the bomb at approximately 4 AM.
French authorities, including bomb disposal teams, swiftly responded to the scene to ensure public safety and carry out the delicate process of defusing the device.
As a precautionary measure, the area surrounding the bomb was cordoned off, and all train services between the two cities were suspended for the remainder of the day.
Stranded Passengers Face Long Delays
The cancellation of services has resulted in major disruption, particularly for Friday’s high volume of travellers. Pictures from Gare du Nord, one of Europe’s busiest railway stations, showed large crowds of passengers stranded at the station as they awaited updates on the situation.
Similarly, at London’s St Pancras station, the Eurostar terminal, a long line of frustrated passengers could be seen waiting outside the check-in area, unaware of when they would be able to board their trains.
For many passengers, Friday is a popular travel day, particularly for those heading out on international weekend getaways. With trains suspended for the entire day, travellers faced significant challenges, especially those who had made last-minute plans to visit family, business partners, or tourists eager to explore either of the two cities.
Wider Impact on French Transport Network
The bomb threat also affected the wider transport network in Paris. Local authorities have warned of possible delays on the roadways surrounding Gare du Nord as traffic was redirected to accommodate the ongoing bomb disposal efforts.
As bomb disposal experts worked carefully to neutralize the unexploded device, security measures were heightened across the region.
Philippe Tabarot, France’s transport minister, addressed the public’s concerns, assuring that there was no immediate danger of an explosion.
Speaking to Sud Radio, he emphasized that the French authorities have well-established protocols for dealing with unexploded ordnance from both World Wars.
However, he cautioned residents and travelers to be aware of the situation, stressing that such discoveries are not uncommon in France but rarely occur in such densely populated areas.
Eurostar Issues Apology as Travel Chaos Continues
Eurostar, the high-speed rail operator running between London and Paris, issued a statement expressing their regret over the disruption.
The company acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the suspension of services and apologized to affected passengers. Eurostar urged travellers to monitor the situation closely, advising them to postpone their trips or seek alternative means of travel.
The British-French operator also reassured passengers that they would be working with French authorities to resume service as soon as it was safe to do so.
They promised to provide further updates and clarified that all tickets for today’s cancelled services would be refunded or rebooked free of charge.
A Long History of WWII Bomb Discoveries in France
Unexploded bombs from the First and Second World Wars are not uncommon in France, where millions of bombs were dropped during the conflicts. However, the discovery of an explosive device in such a busy, central location like Saint-Denis is rare.
Experts say that while France has made significant progress in clearing unexploded ordnance, the challenge persists, especially in urban areas that were heavily bombed during WWII.
These types of bombs, often referred to as “UXO” (unexploded ordnance), are considered highly dangerous, and their safe disposal requires expert handling. Typically, such devices are either defused in situ or carefully transported to a safe location for controlled detonation.
Further Delays Expected, Passengers Urged to Stay Informed
For those with upcoming Eurostar journeys, the company has advised passengers to check for real-time updates via their website or the Eurostar mobile app, as the situation remains fluid.
The latest indications suggest that services may resume by Saturday, but further delays or cancellations cannot be ruled out depending on how the bomb disposal operation progresses.
Authorities have also urged travellers to be patient and understanding, as the safety of passengers and the public is the top priority. With the French and British transport networks already grappling with heavy demand, today’s disruption adds a layer of complexity to the already tense travel conditions.
As this situation unfolds, passengers are advised to remain flexible with their travel plans, as they await confirmation on when normal service will resume on the Eurostar route linking London and Paris.
