Thousands Face Travel Chaos as Unexploded Device Found Near Paris Train Tracks
Eurostar train services between London and Paris have been suspended for the entire day after an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered near the railway tracks in northern Paris.
Thousands of passengers have been affected, with at least 10 trains cancelled on Friday morning. Large queues formed at both Gare du Nord and St Pancras International, leaving travellers stranded as they scrambled for alternative routes. The disruption extended to Paris roads as bomb disposal teams worked at the site.
Bomb Discovered in Saint-Denis
Railway workers unearthed the device at approximately 4am while conducting earth-moving operations in the Saint-Denis district. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot reassured the public that strict safety procedures were in place, stating there was no immediate risk of explosion.
Although remnants of wartime explosives are occasionally found in France, they are rarely discovered in such a densely populated area.
Passengers Left Searching for Alternatives
With Eurostar services on hold, passengers have been looking for other travel options. Flights from London to Paris have been in high demand, with British Airways flights selling out quickly. A few remaining tickets were priced at £264 for an evening departure.
At St Pancras, Charlotte Kidd, who had planned to travel to Disneyland Paris for her 30th birthday, remained hopeful she could still make the trip. “We’ve got two hours. If not, we’ll try and get there some other way,” she said.
Others, such as Emma Roe and her group of friends, considered alternative destinations. “We’re checking flights—maybe Amsterdam from Luton—just somewhere else,” she said.
Eurostar’s Response and Refunds
Eurostar has apologised for the disruption, offering affected passengers the option to exchange their tickets for a later date or receive a full refund. However, no additional compensation has been announced.
Train services between London and Brussels remain operational, while French authorities continue efforts to safely remove the bomb.
