A 500kg World War II bomb found near Gare du Nord station prompted the cancellation of train services, but normal operations are set to resume following its defusal. Passengers faced significant travel disruptions, especially during Paris Fashion Week.
Paris Train Services Set to Resume Following Successful Bomb Defusal
Paris Train Services Set to Resume Following Successful Bomb Defusal
Train services in Paris are expected to return to normal after a World War II bomb was safely neutralized near Gare du Nord.
An unexploded 500kg World War II bomb discovered at a construction site near Gare du Nord station in Paris has been successfully defused, paving the way for the resumption of train services. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot announced that all Eurostar trains connecting London and Paris were cancelled on Friday due to safety concerns. Normal operations are anticipated to restart on Saturday, with local rail traffic anticipated to normalize by 17:00 GMT.
The bomb was located approximately two meters underground, about a mile north of the station, prompting an emergency evacuation of around 200 residents in Saint-Denis and the temporary closure of major thoroughfares. Authorities closed part of the périphérique, leading to severe traffic congestion across the region, with reports of delays across 218 km of roads.
Eurostar's Chief Safety and Stations Officer, Simon Lejeune, explained that cancellations were necessary to provide passengers with clarity amid the uncertainty. Lejeune expressed regret for the inconveniences faced by travelers. He stated that arrangements were made for passengers to alter bookings, obtain refunds, or receive vouchers via the Eurostar’s online platforms.
With the bomb being discovered a mere 200 meters from the busy ring road, the initial evacuation zone spanned homes within a 500-meter radius. Fortunately, local authorities confirmed that nearby schools and senior care facilities were not at risk, as they contained no windows facing the site of the discovery.
As a result of the cancellations, Eurostar services to and from Brussels and Amsterdam remained unaffected, while some high-speed TGV trains faced deviations to Gare de Lyon. In the wake of the incident, additional Eurostar trains will run on Saturday to accommodate stranded passengers, with the company offering flexibility in ticket exchanges.
Passengers faced significant travel disruptions, especially during Paris Fashion Week, with many desperately trying to find alternative means to reach their destinations. Travelers reported struggling to book new arrangements, with some looking for flights or considering bus routes as alternatives. Stories of frustrated passengers filled the Eurostar waiting areas, as they sought last-minute options to return home or reach their planned events.
As the dust settles from this incident, commuters and visitors alike are hopeful for a swift return to rail services that reflect the vibrancy of Paris's cultural calendar.
