Paris Train Services Resuming After Successful Bomb Defusal

After the defusion of a 500kg World War II bomb found near Gare du Nord, Paris train services are set to resume following extensive evacuations and travel disruptions across the city, affecting thousands.

An unexploded World War II bomb discovery near Gare du Nord station in Paris caused a halt in train services, which have since been restored after successful defusal operations on Friday. The French Transport Minister, Philippe Tabarot, announced that Eurostar services were canceled throughout the day but would return to normal by Saturday morning. Beginning at 17:00 GMT, local rail traffic would also resume after around 200 residents were evacuated from their homes in the Saint-Denis area, and a section of the suburb's main ring road was temporarily shut down.

The 500kg bomb was located two meters underground at a construction site about a mile from Gare du Nord, where rail teams were working on a new bridge. To ensure safety amid the "complex" situation, Eurostar's Chief Safety Officer Simon Lejeune opted to cancel all 32 daily services between London and Paris, aiming to provide clarity for travelers amid uncertainty regarding travel plans.

Thankfully, the bomb, situated 200 meters from the main Paris périphérique and relatively close to the busy Gare du Nord station, did not pose a threat to nearby schools or facilities for the elderly, as they lacked windows overlooking the evacuation zone. Despite significant alterations to travel plans, Eurostar services remained uninterrupted between Brussels, Marne-la-Vallée to the east of Paris, and other international routes. High-speed TGV trains also faced cancellations but some were redirected to Gare de Lyon.

The discovery of the bomb led to extensive traffic delays, with congestion reported along 218 kilometers of roads in the Paris region. Eurostar announced measures to assist affected passengers, allowing free ticket exchanges for alternative dates or times, with two additional trains scheduled to run on Saturday to accommodate travelers.

Reports indicated long lines forming at London’s St Pancras station as passengers sought solutions to navigate their disrupted journeys. Among those stranded was Jess Sayer, who found herself and her companions trying to secure a return trip after their train cancellation. The situation was particularly tense in light of ongoing events like Paris Fashion Week, which also left personal shoppers and attendees scrambling to adjust plans.

Travelers and locals affected expressed frustration over delays and difficulties in rebooking. As the city returns to normal operations following the bomb defusal, Eurostar reassured concerned passengers of the flexibility in rebooking their plans amid a challenging travel landscape.