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Eurostar Cancels All London-Paris Services Due to WWII Bomb Discovery
Travel chaos has engulfed Eurostar passengers after the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb near the tracks in St-Denis, north of Paris. All Eurostar services between London and Paris have been cancelled for Friday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and scrambling for alternative travel arrangements. The bomb, discovered during track maintenance, brought a complete halt to train traffic to and from Gare du Nord, a major European transport hub.
Thousands Stranded at St Pancras
Scenes of frustration unfolded at London St Pancras station as a large crowd of passengers, many with weekend plans and birthday celebrations disrupted, gathered outside the check-in area. One passenger, Lauren Romeo-Smith, expressed concern about the lack of Eurostar staff to assist the stranded travellers. Others, like Charlotte Kidd, heading to Disneyland Paris, and Emma Roe, with a group of friends, are desperately seeking alternative transport, facing limited flight options and rising costs.
The Bomb and Its Impact
The unexploded ordnance, discovered around 4 am, prompted the immediate closure of the tracks. Minesweepers were deployed to the site to safely handle the bomb. While French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot assured the public there was no immediate danger of explosion, the disruption to the busy Gare du Nord station is significant, affecting not only Eurostar but also other national and international train services. The Gare du Nord serves as a major transit point for trains heading north from Paris towards Brussels, Amsterdam, and other destinations. The discovery highlights the lingering presence of unexploded munitions from WWII in unexpected locations.
What Passengers Should Do
Eurostar has advised affected passengers to check their website for information on refunds or ticket exchanges. Those who booked directly with Eurostar can choose between a full refund, an exchange for another travel date, or an e-voucher. Passengers who booked through third-party providers should contact their booking agent. The significant disruption affects a large number of leisure and business travellers, underscoring the scale of the impact. While the bomb discovery is an exceptional circumstance, the incident serves as a reminder to consider travel insurance for unexpected disruptions.
Looking Ahead
The suspension of Eurostar services between London and Paris is expected to last throughout Friday. The incident highlights the unforeseen challenges that can impact even well-established travel routes. While the situation is frustrating for travellers, the swift response by authorities underscores the prioritization of safety and security. Regular updates are expected from Eurostar, and passengers are advised to monitor their website and social media channels for the latest information. Stay informed, and remember that travel insurance can offer valuable protection in unexpected situations.
