Eurostar passengers face delays after two tragic incidents
Eurostar passengers face delays after two tragic incidents
Two separate incidents has caused widespread disruption to Eurostar services between London and Paris
Eurostar passengers are facing delays
(Image: Belga/AFP via Getty Images )
Eurostar passengers experienced delays of up to seven hours after two individuals were tragically struck by trains. The distressing incident on Tuesday caused significant disruption for those travelling between London St Pancras International and Gare Du Nord in Paris, with many journeys cancelled entirely.
The operator warned that the disruption was expected to continue on Wednesday, June 25. "Due to two persons struck by trains near Lille Europe, we've delays and cancellations to our services all evening," Eurostar announced on X, adding: "We apologise to everyone affected and advise changing your journey for a different travel date."
Services between London and Paris were suspended shortly after 3pm.
One train, scheduled to arrive in Paris before 6pm, was still navigating the tunnels in northern France at 9.45pm, as reported by the Telegraph.
These delays followed two separate incidents; the first reportedly occurred between Lille and Paris around 5pm, and the second between Lille and Arras, according to local media, reports Yorkshire Live.
This morning, Eurostar cautioned via X that while trains will be running today, there are a "few cancellations" and "a lot of passengers travelling."
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It added: "So the situation might still be difficult."
Eurostar has been left with no choice but to axe multiple train services - specifically the 9007, 9013, 9023, 9008, and 9018 - owing to a perfect storm of issues afflicting the rail network. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Passengers are reeling from the consequences of yesterday's disruption and hold-ups at railway stations in the UK and France, only to have their woes worsened by the theft of a vital cable close to Lille.
Travellers expecting to board trains scheduled for 4.01pm, 6.01pm, and 8.01pm today have been hit by severe delays and cancellations, leading to a chorus of discontent on social media, with many now demanding refunds.
A distraught passenger vented on social media: "I've been on the 9032 for seven hours and we're still not in Paris," inquiring, "Will we get full compensation?"
Another disgruntled commuter threatened: "I'm going to need my full ticket refunded plus compensation. Five hours on board and now another three-hour delay."
As the situation continues to unfold, passenger Naomi Sanger revealed to KentOnline how her 4.31pm train out of Paris's Gare Du Nord station failed to depart, deserting her at the station.
Taking to the social media platform X, Ms. Sanger disclosed dwindling resources, including food and water, as well as the station's struggling air conditioning system.
This current turmoil is not the only issue to impact Eurostar recently on Wednesday, June 14.
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A tragic fatality on a French railway line occurred on leading to nearly a dozen Eurostar services facing significant delays or outright cancellations on that same route.
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