Rail services at Paris's Gare du Nord, the busiest train station in France, were brought to a standstill after a 500kg unexploded World War II bomb was discovered on nearby tracks. The device was unearthed during overnight maintenance work in the suburb of St-Denis, approximately 1.5 miles from the station, prompting immediate suspension of all rail traffic.

Discovery and Immediate Response

The bomb was found two meters below ground in an area known for wartime debris. Upon discovery, maintenance work was halted, and minesweepers were dispatched to the site. A security perimeter of one kilometer was established, although no residential evacuations were necessary. The French Transport Minister, Philippe Tabarot, emphasized that while there was no immediate danger, strict procedures were being followed to ensure public safety.

Impact on Rail Services

The disruption affected Eurostar services, with no trains running to or from Paris on Friday. Passengers were advised to change their travel plans, with some services diverted to other stations like Gare de Lyon. The suspension impacted travel to international destinations such as Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as regional routes to Charles de Gaulle airport. Eurostar confirmed that services from London to Brussels and Amsterdam, which bypass Paris, continued as scheduled.

Public Reaction and Alternative Arrangements

The halt in services affected an estimated 700,000 daily commuters. At London’s St Pancras station, travelers expressed frustration over the disruption. Julie King, a passenger planning to celebrate her daughter's birthday in Paris, described the situation as "really upsetting." French regional train operator TER anticipated resuming services in the northern Hauts-de-France region by mid-afternoon, pending clearance from authorities. Passengers heading to Charles de Gaulle airport were advised to use bus services from Opéra.