WWII Bomb Disrupts Paris Rail Services
The discovery of a 500-kilogram World War II bomb near tracks outside Paris caused significant disruption yesterday, halting rail traffic and stranding thousands of passengers in one of the largest rail disruptions in recent years.
All services to and from the Gare du Nord station, France's busiest railway terminus which handles international trains to London and mainland Europe, as well as high-speed and local connections, were suspended while police worked to deactivate the bomb.
Located in the north of the French capital, Gare du Nord hosts Eurostar trains to London and regional and suburban services, according to French railway operator SNCF.
All Eurostar trains, including those heading to and from London via the Channel Tunnel, were canceled for the day. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot stated that rail services would resume no earlier than 1500 GMT.
The unexploded bomb was discovered around 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the station, during maintenance work in the northern Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, the national SNCF rail company reported. Details on how the bomb was found were not disclosed.
The bomb, dating back to World War II, was reported to weigh 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds). Authorities confirmed there was no need for local evacuations.
Matthieu Chabanel, head of SNCF's rail infrastructure management unit, said finding such a large bomb was "quite exceptional." He explained, 'During World War II, the rail network was heavily bombed, especially here in northern Paris, which was home to many factories.'
Chabanel added that authorities are particularly vigilant when conducting maintenance in the area and that the abnormal situation was detected during routine work. Police teams were immediately notified.
Sud-Rail unionist Fabien Ville dieu shared an image of the ordnance, which was partially covered in dirt.
It remains unclear when and by whom the bomb was dropped during World War II, or whether it was dropped before or after the 1940 occupation of Paris by Nazi Germany.
Many passengers expressed frustration at the unexpected disruption. 'I've been waiting since 6:00 am for an RER to Goussainville,' said 55-year-old Corinne Schiavato, referring to a town north of Paris.
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