Eurostar passengers are confronting ongoing travel upheaval for a second consecutive day as a mixture of tragic events and criminal activity disrupt services across Europe. Following two fatalities on the railway track in France this week, the high-speed rail operator has urged travelers to consider canceling or postponing their journeys.
The incidents occurred on Tuesday along the LGV Nord high-speed line, which connects Lille and Paris, resulting in significant closures throughout the day. Unfortunately, the situation worsened on Wednesday when Eurostar crews reported stolen cables on the same line near Lille. French media identified the theft as involving approximately 600 meters of copper wiring, which has forced train rerouting and extended travel times.
As a direct result of these issues, Eurostar has announced that many services between London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam would face last-minute cancellations and severe delays. In light of the disruptions, passengers have been informed they can modify their travel plans free of charge or opt for a complete refund.
Expressing sympathy for those impacted, Eurostar released a statement, acknowledging the severity of the situation. "We’re very sorry for the impact this is having on our customers," it said. The operator is working closely with French authorities and maintenance teams to restore normal services as quickly and safely as possible.
Currently, partial service is resuming, with one track reopened to accommodate trains operating in both directions until full repairs can be completed, which are expected to take until around 16:00 BST. In the interim, Eurostar is providing water to passengers on delayed trains, as the stations remain crowded with travelers experiencing heightened frustration over the delays.
