Travel between London and Paris has been severely disrupted as Eurostar has cancelled all services following the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb near the train tracks.
This decision affects thousands of passengers, as 10 scheduled trains were halted early Friday morning, and all services will remain suspended for the remainder of the day.
Reports from Gare du Nord show significant queues of stranded travelers, while large crowds have also gathered at London St Pancras outside the check-in area, exacerbating the travel woes.
The disruption has extended beyond train services, impacting the road network in Paris as well.
The bomb was unearthed around 4 AM by workers who were digging near the tracks in the Saint-Denis area, located north of central Paris. Authorities have deployed bomb disposal experts to the site, and the operation to safely manage the situation is currently ongoing.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot reassured the public during an interview with Sud Radio, stating that local residents and those near train stations should feel “no fear” regarding the risk of an explosion.
He emphasized the rigorous procedures implemented for the defusal and removal of such ordnance.While it’s common to find unexploded bombs from the First and Second World Wars throughout France, instances in densely populated areas are quite rare.
Travelers are advised to check Eurostar’s official website or contact customer service for the latest updates on service resumption and alternative travel options.