An unexploded World War II bomb found near Paris caused significant disruptions to train services at one of France's busiest stations, causing delays for both domestic and international travelers.
Unexploded WWII Bomb Disrupts Paris Train Services
Unexploded WWII Bomb Disrupts Paris Train Services
Discovery of an ordnance halts trains at Gare du Nord, impacting thousands of travelers.
Traffic was suspended at Gare du Nord, a critical train station in Paris, after authorities found an unexploded World War II bomb in the Saint-Denis suburb nearby. The bomb's discovery, which occurred overnight, prompted a halt on train services, including those operated by Eurostar that link France to the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, affecting many travelers.
French authorities took swift action, deploying bomb disposal teams to clear the area and ensure safety. France's national railway company issued a travel advisory, indicating that all train services to and from the busy station were halted until early afternoon at the police's directive.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot reassured the public that there was “no cause for concern,” but emphasized that thorough precautions were being undertaken for its safe removal. He indicated that while instances of finding abandoned bombs in urban settings are rare, unearthing old ordnance is not uncommon for construction crews throughout Europe.
Previous incidents include finding practice bombs at a children’s playground in northern England and a large bomb that led to the evacuation of thousands in Berlin in 2018. The discovery at Gare du Nord not only disrupted local commuting but also affected international travelers, with the station serving approximately 226 million passengers in 2023. While officials worked to clear the area, travel disruptions were expected to persist throughout the day, with many awaiting updates on resuming normal operations.
