Eurostar Train Services Disrupted by Suspected WW2 Bomb in Paris
Published 7 March 2025
Highlights
- Eurostar services between London and Paris face significant disruption due to a suspected WW2 bomb found in Saint Denis.
- The Guardian reports all Eurostar trains to and from Paris are cancelled, while the BBC notes some services are still running.
- The fifth London to Paris train at 10:41 GMT and the seventh Paris to London train at 12:09 CET are operating as scheduled.
- The disruption affects additional routes, including Brussels-Paris and Paris-Brussels services.
Eurostar train services between London and Paris have been severely disrupted following the discovery of a suspected unexploded World War II bomb on railway tracks in Saint Denis, a suburb of Paris. This unexpected find has led to significant travel disruptions, affecting thousands of passengers.
Extent of Cancellations
According to Eurostar, all services to and from Paris have been cancelled for the day, impacting routes including London-Paris, Paris-London, Brussels-Paris, and Paris-Brussels. However, the BBC reports that not all services are halted. The fifth train from London to Paris, scheduled for 10:41 GMT, and the seventh service from Paris to London, scheduled for 12:09 CET, are still running as planned.
Impact on Passengers
The sudden cancellations have left many passengers stranded or scrambling to find alternative travel arrangements. Eurostar has advised passengers to check their website for the latest updates and to avoid traveling to the station unless their train is confirmed to be running. The company is working closely with French authorities to resolve the situation and ensure passenger safety.
Historical Context
The discovery of unexploded ordnance from World War II is not uncommon in Europe, where remnants of the conflict occasionally surface, causing disruptions. The bomb's presence on the railway tracks necessitated immediate action to ensure public safety, leading to the widespread cancellations.
What this might mean
The current disruption highlights the ongoing challenges of managing historical remnants in modern infrastructure. If the bomb is safely removed, Eurostar services could resume normal operations soon. However, prolonged disruptions could lead to significant financial implications for Eurostar and inconvenience for passengers. Experts suggest that this incident underscores the importance of regular infrastructure checks and the need for contingency plans to handle such unexpected events efficiently.
