Unexploded WWII Bomb Halts Paris-London Eurostar Services/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A massive unexploded World War II bomb was discovered near the railway tracks in Paris, causing a complete halt to Eurostar train services between Paris, London, and Brussels on Friday. The disruption extended beyond railways, affecting major roads, including the A1 highway and parts of the Paris ring road. Thousands of travelers faced unexpected delays, with many scrambling for alternative transport options. Bomb disposal teams are working to neutralize the half-ton explosive, prompting authorities to evacuate the area and establish a security perimeter.
WWII Bomb Halts Eurostar Travel: Quick Look
- Major Disruptions: Eurostar cancels all trains between Paris, London, and Brussels.
- Commuter Impact: Thousands stranded as the Gare du Nord train station faces shutdown.
- Highway Closures: Paris’ A1 highway and sections of the ring road are blocked.
- Security Perimeter: Authorities evacuate nearby areas as bomb disposal teams work.
- Government Response: French transport officials urge commuters to postpone travel.
- Wider Impact: The discovery has affected intercity and commuter rail services.
Unexploded WWII Bomb Halts Paris-London Eurostar Services
Paris in Gridlock: A Deep Look at the WWII Bomb Disruption
Paris faced massive travel disruptions on Friday after railway workers discovered a 500-kilogram (half-ton) unexploded World War II bomb near train tracks north of the city. The discovery led to the immediate suspension of Eurostar services between Paris, London, and Brussels, and sent shockwaves through Paris’ transport network, affecting road traffic and suburban train lines.
Eurostar Services Severed
The Gare du Nord, France’s busiest train station, ground to a halt as officials shut down services to London, Brussels, and northern France. Eurostar, which operates the high-speed train service linking the U.K. and mainland Europe, canceled all departures and arrivals, forcing thousands of passengers to scramble for alternative routes.
At London’s St. Pancras station, which serves as the Eurostar hub in the U.K., Friday travelers faced frustration and confusion. Many, like Lauren Romeo-Smith, were forced to explore flight options as the train operator directed passengers to reroute via Lille, northern France.
For others, the disruption meant unexpected hotel stays. Michel Garrot, a Parisian traveler stuck in Brussels, resigned himself to booking an extra night in the city.
“This is frustrating, but what else can we do? We’re calling the hotel and changing our train ticket,” Garrot said.
Highways Closed & Paris Traffic Chaos
The disruption extended beyond rail transport, as Paris police shut down the A1 highway, a critical route connecting the city to Charles de Gaulle Airport. Sections of Paris’ ring road (Périphérique) were also closed as authorities expanded the security perimeter around the bomb site. The closures paralyzed rush-hour traffic, leading to significant delays across the capital.
Government & Security Response
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed that the bomb was discovered overnight in Seine-Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris. The area was evacuated immediately, and a bomb disposal team was dispatched to assess and neutralize the explosive.
“A quite large security perimeter has been established. This will take time,” Tabarot stated, urging commuters to postpone non-essential rail travel.
Railway operator SNCF clarified that all train operations were suspended at the request of the police. Officials emphasized that discovering WWII bombs is not unusual in France, but finding one in such a densely populated area is rare.
A Historic Relic of War in Modern Paris
France, particularly in regions that saw heavy combat during World War I and World War II, frequently uncovers unexploded ordnance during construction projects. While rural areas occasionally see controlled detonations, an incident in a major transport hub like Paris is virtually unheard of.
Despite the disruption, bomb squads have successfully defused similar devices without casualties in recent years. However, the extensive transport network in Gare du Nord, which serves over 700,000 passengers daily, has made this case especially complex and logistically challenging.
What’s Next?
Authorities have not given a precise timeline for when train services will resume, as bomb experts assess the safest way to neutralize the explosive. Eurostar has pledged to offer refunds or free ticket changes for affected passengers, but uncertainty remains regarding when full service will be restored.
For now, travelers and commuters are advised to avoid Gare du Nord and seek alternative routes while security operations continue.
