Train services to and from Paris Gare du Nord were suspended on Friday following the discovery of an unexploded bomb from World War II on the tracks near the station. This incident has significantly disrupted travel plans, as reported by train operators.
Bomb discovery leads to travel chaos
The bomb was unearthed in the suburb of Saint-Denis during overnight maintenance work, prompting an immediate halt to all train operations. According to Eurostar, the halt affects not only local trains but also international services, specifically those running between London and Paris, as well as between Brussels and Paris.
As of Friday morning, Eurostar announced the cancellation of all its journeys for the day, including routes connecting Paris with London, Brussels, and beyond. However, trains on the Brussels-Marne La Vallée, London-Brussels, and London-Amsterdam routes are continuing service as scheduled.
“Due to the discovery last night of an unexploded bomb from the Second World War during work carried out on the tracks in St Denis (North of Paris), traffic has been completely halted to and from Gare du Nord,” Eurostar stated.
As a result of the travel disruption, affected passengers have the option to change their tickets without any additional fees, allowing them to reschedule for a later date or time, subject to availability. Eurostar expressed its sincerest apologies for the inconvenience caused by the unforeseen circumstances.
Crowds and lengthy waits at St Pancras International
At St Pancras International station in London, crowds began to gather early in the morning as travelers sought to navigate the changes to their plans. By 8:30 GMT, queues formed as passengers waited to determine their next steps amidst the cancellations.
One group, having waited two-and-a-half hours, was nearing the front of the line after their 07:00 GMT train was cancelled. They planned to take a bus to Lille and then embark on a three-hour journey to Paris. Among them was Ivana Koralek, who decided to forgo her trip to visit her elderly mother and nephew in France due to the situation. She cited difficulties in rebooking, particularly because the ticket machines at the station did not reflect the discounts she had originally received.
Eurostar’s disruptions highlight the challenges faced by travelers in relation to unexpected events and the ongoing implications of historical artifacts like unexploded bombs, which continue to affect contemporary society.