- An unexploded WWII bomb was found near Paris Gare du Nord, halting Eurostar services.
- Thousands of passengers faced cancellations and delays on one of the busiest travel days.
- Limited services are expected to resume after bomb disposal operations are completed.
Eurostar passengers faced significant disruption on Friday after an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered near tracks in the Saint-Denis area of Paris. The discovery led to the immediate suspension of all trains between London and Paris, impacting thousands of travelers, especially weekend holidaymakers.
With Paris Gare du Nord serving as a crucial hub for international and domestic travel, the suspension also affected trains heading to Belgium, the Netherlands, and northern France. Eurostar advised passengers to rebook for another date or request refunds.
WWII Bomb Disrupts Eurostar: London-Paris Trains Suspended
The unexploded wartime bomb was found around 4 a.m. during track maintenance work in the Saint-Denis area, a northern suburb of Paris. As a result, French authorities halted all train services to and from Paris Gare du Nord, one of Europe’s busiest railway stations. Thousands of stranded passengers gathered at stations, awaiting updates while Eurostar urged travelers to change their plans.
This incident highlights the lingering effects of World War II, as unexploded ordnance is still occasionally discovered across France, though rarely in such a densely populated area. The bomb disposal unit was quickly deployed, and authorities estimated that clearance operations would last several hours, with normal service expected to resume in the afternoon.
Eurostar confirmed that 10 services were immediately canceled, with delays extending into the afternoon as the situation unfolded. Fridays are among the busiest travel days for Eurostar, as many passengers take advantage of weekend getaways, making the disruption even more impactful. Meanwhile, travelers heading to Brussels and other destinations unaffected by the discovery were able to continue their journeys without issue.
Despite the disruptions, officials assured the public that safety protocols were in place, and there was no risk of explosion. SNCF, France’s national railway operator, also suspended northern-bound trains from Paris in coordination with security operations. Passengers were advised to check for updates before traveling.
While unexploded bombs from past wars are not uncommon in France, their discovery in highly populated areas can cause significant travel disruptions. This incident serves as a reminder of history’s continued presence in modern-day infrastructure.
“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” – William Faulkner
