Eurostar passengers have been grappling with significant delays and cancellations, enduring their second day of disruption following tragic incidents on the railway track in France and a theft of crucial cables. The high-speed rail operator has advised commuters to consider canceling or postponing their journeys on Wednesday, as numerous services linking London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam have been affected.
The chaos unfolded after the deaths of two individuals in separate occurrences on the LGV Nord high-speed line between Lille and Paris on Tuesday, which resulted in a prolonged closure of this vital transcontinental route. Compounding the situation, Eurostar reported that subsequent cable theft on the same railway line near Lille has hampered services even further.
According to reports from French media, approximately 600 meters of copper cables were stolen, leading to the rerouting of trains and consequently extending travel times. Eurostar indicated that services heading to and from London are particularly vulnerable, facing last-minute cancellations and severe delays.
In an effort to assist impacted travelers, Eurostar has offered the option to modify travel plans at no additional cost or obtain a full refund. "We sincerely apologize for the impact this situation is having on our customers," Eurostar stated. The company reassures that their teams are collaborating closely with French authorities and infrastructure teams to address the situation and restore services safely.
Currently, one track has reopened, allowing a limited number of trains to operate in both directions until complete repairs are finalized, which are expected to be concluded by 16:00 BST. Passengers aboard delayed trains are receiving water to alleviate the discomfort of waiting, as station environments remain notably crowded.
