Eurostar services faced continued disruption following a power outage in the Channel Tunnel, leading to cancellations and significant delays for passengers traveling between London and continental European destinations. All trains from London to Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels were initially cancelled due to the power failure, which was compounded by a broken-down LeShuttle train, according to Eurostar.
While some services have since resumed following the partial reopening of the tunnel, Eurostar warned of "severe delays and possible last-minute cancellations," urging passengers to postpone their travel. The disruption affected thousands of travelers attempting to use both Eurostar, the high-speed passenger train service, and LeShuttle, which transports road vehicles and passengers between Folkestone, England, and Calais, France.
The power outage stemmed from a problem with the overhead power supply within the tunnel. The Department for Transport indicated that disruption was "likely for the remainder of the day" as engineers worked to repair the faulty overhead cables. National Rail advised passengers whose Eurostar trains were cancelled not to travel to London St Pancras International station.
The Channel Tunnel, also known as the "Chunnel," is a vital transport link connecting the United Kingdom with mainland Europe. Opened in 1994, it has become a crucial artery for both passenger and freight traffic, facilitating trade and tourism between the UK and its European neighbors. Disruptions to the tunnel's operation can have significant economic and logistical consequences, impacting businesses and individuals on both sides of the English Channel.
Passengers expressed frustration and disappointment with the travel chaos. George Wright, Jacob Phillips, Nicky Schiller, Kelly North, and Bethany Massey-Chase told the BBC how they had to re-book their Eurostar service to Paris.
LeShuttle services have also resumed, offering some relief for travelers with vehicles. However, the backlog of passengers and vehicles is expected to take time to clear, and delays are anticipated to persist. The incident highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the potential for significant disruption to international travel and trade. The situation is being closely monitored by transport authorities in both the UK and France, who are working to restore normal service as quickly as possible.
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