Eurostar services have been severely disrupted today after an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered near Paris Gare du Nord during overnight maintenance work.
Disruptions and Closures
The bomb, found in the Saint-Denis suburb, has led to the suspension of all Eurostar services between London and Paris until at least midday. The unexpected discovery has left thousands of passengers stranded on what is typically one of the busiest travel days of the week for the cross-Channel operator.
In a statement, Eurostar confirmed: “Due to an object on the tracks near Paris Gare du Nord, we are expecting disruption to our services this morning. Please change your journey for a different date of travel.” The company is offering free ticket exchanges for affected passengers.
Discovery and Response
The 300-kilogram unexploded bomb was discovered at 4:00 AM during routine track maintenance. French railway operator SNCF halted all train services to and from Gare du Nord at the request of Paris police. As Europe’s busiest rail hub, handling 700,000 passengers daily, the closure has affected not only Eurostar but also local metro and regional train services.
France’s Transport Minister, Philippe Tabarot, warned that disruptions would continue throughout the day. Speaking to Sud Radio, he said: “Traffic will be strongly disrupted, with only limited service resuming in the afternoon.” He reassured the public that established safety procedures ensure there is no immediate risk of explosion.
Impact on Eurostar Services
Eurostar has confirmed the cancellation of multiple services, including:
- London to Paris: Morning departures at 6:01 AM, 7:01 AM, 8:01 AM, and 9:31 AM.
- Paris to London: At least six morning departures have been suspended.
- The next scheduled London-Paris service is at 10:31 AM, while the earliest departure from Paris is set for 12:09 PM, though these remain subject to change.
Passengers are advised to check Eurostar’s official website for the latest updates.
Historical Context
The discovery of wartime explosives is not uncommon in France, but finding such a device near a major transport hub is rare. Experts believe the bomb may have been dropped during Allied air raids targeting rail infrastructure used by the German military during World War II.
Passenger Rights and Alternative Travel
Eurostar is allowing passengers to reschedule their trips for free, subject to seat availability. However, unlike air travel, rail passengers have limited legal rights to compensation or alternative transport, leaving many to find their own solutions. Some travellers have turned to Channel ferry services, though demand for alternative routes is expected to surge.
Ongoing Operations
Authorities have evacuated the immediate area in Saint-Denis, with bomb disposal teams working to neutralise the device. SNCF has confirmed that services will not resume until clearance is completed, potentially extending delays beyond the afternoon.
For the latest updates, passengers are encouraged to follow Eurostar’s official channels and stay tuned to travel advisories. As the situation unfolds, efforts remain focused on ensuring safety and a swift return to normal operations.
