Eurostar services to London and trains bound for northern France were halted following a significant discovery. All Eurostar services between London and Paris were canceled on Friday after an unexploded Second World War bomb was found on the tracks in France overnight. This unexpected finding has disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers, as authorities work to safely handle the ordnance located a mile and a half from the station. With Gare du Nord station closed, Eurostar has advised passengers to adjust their travel arrangements. The duration of the disruption remains uncertain. French transport minister Philippe Tabarot anticipates a return to normal services by Saturday. Eurostar plans to resume “normal traffic” between Paris and London, adding an extra service in each direction to accommodate affected travelers. The first scheduled Eurostar train departing from London St Pancras to Gare du Nord on Saturday is set for 6.31am. Fridays typically witness heavy travel on the Eurostar, as vacationers embark on weekend getaways and commuters head back home. Large queues formed at St Pancras as passengers sought alternative routes. While some flights between Heathrow and Paris were fully booked, passengers explored alternative options like traveling to Lille, where services remained unaffected. Eurostar is offering affected passengers the option to exchange their tickets for alternative travel dates or times in the same class, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused. Authorities have secured the bomb site in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, assuring residents of their safety. The discovery of wartime bombs along French railway lines, a remnant of past conflicts, is not uncommon; however, such finds in highly populated areas are rare. Despite the disruption, efforts are underway to restore normal travel operations and ensure passenger safety and convenience.
