International high-speed rail service Eurostar has announced the cancellation of all its services on Tuesday due to technical issues affecting the Channel Tunnel, which connects Brussels and London.
In an update posted on its website, the company explained, “Due to a problem with the overhead power supply and a subsequent failed Le Shuttle train the Channel Tunnel is currently closed. Unfortunately, this means we have no choice but to suspend all services today until further notice.”
Significant delays for Le Shuttle service
Le Shuttle, the vehicle and passenger transport service operating within the Channel Tunnel, is facing substantial delays, with wait times reaching up to three-and-a-half hours as reported on their website.
In light of the current situation, Eurostar has advised travelers to avoid heading to stations, including Brussels-Midi, Gare du Nord in Paris, and St Pancras in London. The company’s recommendation comes amid reports of heavy traffic congestion near the tunnel terminal in Folkestone, England, and overcrowding at stations in both London and Paris where many travelers found themselves stranded.
Clarifications on stranded passengers
In response to concerns regarding passengers trapped inside the tunnel, Eurostar clarified that there were no stranded train travelers. A company spokesperson stated, “It is a broken shuttle (LeShuttle) that has now been moved out of the tunnel.”
Typically, the journey from London’s St Pancras to Brussels-Midi takes approximately two hours under normal circumstances. However, the ongoing disruptions have significantly impacted travel plans for many.