Work continued overnight to repair a power issue in the Channel Tunnel, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers on Eurostar and LeShuttle services between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. The disruption, which began Tuesday, stemmed from a problem with the overhead power supply and a broken-down LeShuttle train, blocking all routes through the tunnel connecting Folkestone, England, and Calais, France.

Getlink, the company that operates the Channel Tunnel, stated its hope to restore normal service overnight. Eurostar initially suspended all services until further notice, but some Eurostar and LeShuttle services resumed with delays after a partial reopening of the tunnel.

The incident occurred during a peak travel period as people sought to travel for New Year's celebrations, impacting international journeys between the UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. At least a dozen Eurostar services were canceled by midday Tuesday. Passengers affected by the cancellations were offered the option to re-book their travel free of charge, cancel their booking for a refund, or receive an e-voucher, according to Eurostar.

The Channel Tunnel, also known as the "Chunnel," is a vital transport link facilitating both passenger and freight movement between the UK and mainland Europe. Opened in 1994, the tunnel has become an integral part of the European transportation network, handling millions of passengers and tons of goods annually. The disruption highlights the importance of maintaining this critical infrastructure for international trade and travel.

The power outage and train malfunction serve as a reminder of the potential vulnerabilities in complex, international transport systems. The incident prompted concerns about the economic impact of prolonged disruptions to cross-channel travel, given the tunnel's role in facilitating trade between the UK and the European Union. The incident also left many travelers stranded, including Kelly North, Bethany Massey-Chase, and Nicky Schiller, who spoke with the BBC about having to re-book their Eurostar service to Paris.

Engineers are working to fully restore power and remove the broken-down train. The situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to check with Eurostar and LeShuttle for the latest updates on service availability.