World War II bomb halts Eurostar service between London, Paris
This photograph shows international high-speed rail service trains Eurostar parked at platforms as traffic has been stopped at the Gare du Nord station in Paris on March 7, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Thousands of travelers faced major disruptions Friday after an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered near railway tracks in Paris, forcing Eurostar to suspend all train services between London and the French capital.
The bomb was unearthed early Friday morning during excavation work in the Saint-Denis area north of central Paris, prompting immediate safety concerns and widespread cancellations.
More than 10 Eurostar services canceled
Eurostar has canceled at least 10 services and announced that all trains from Paris to London would remain suspended throughout most of the day, leaving crowds of stranded passengers at Paris’ Gare du Nord station.
“Due to an object on the tracks near Paris Gare du Nord, we are expecting disruption to our services this morning. Please change your journey for a different date of travel,” Eurostar said in a statement.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot acknowledged the significant impact on travelers but sought to reassure the public about safety measures.
“Travel will remain strongly disrupted throughout the day,” Tabarot said. “Only limited services will resume in the afternoon.”
He confirmed that bomb disposal experts were already at the site and emphasized there was “no immediate risk of an explosion” to locals or travelers near affected stations, as proper disposal procedures had been implemented.
Unusual finding of WWII bomb in France
While France regularly uncovers unexploded ordnance from both World Wars, finding such devices near heavily populated areas like Saint-Denis is unusual.
Images from Gare du Nord show large crowds of passengers waiting for information and seeking alternative transportation options. Many travelers were seen consulting their phones or speaking with station staff as they attempted to revise their travel plans.
Eurostar has advised all passengers planning to travel between London and Paris to monitor service updates and consider changing their travel dates due to the ongoing situation.
