Eurostar cancels all trains out of London after Channel Tunnel power outage

Eurostar cancels all trains out of London after Channel Tunnel power outage

A significant disruption has occurred to Eurostar services departing from London to Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels, with all trains cancelled until further notice following a power outage within the Channel Tunnel. This outage resulted in the failure of a Le Shuttle train, the service that transports vehicles and passengers through the tunnel. At London St Pancras International station, staff have instructed travelers to postpone their trips and re-book for a future date.

By midday, the disruption had already led to the cancellation of more than twelve Eurostar services linking the UK with France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Numerous other trains faced delays or route adjustments. The company overseeing the Channel Tunnel has indicated that train services will “gradually resume” later in the afternoon.

Eurotunnel’s Le Shuttle service between Folkestone and Calais was also forced to halt operations due to the “power supply issue” that emerged overnight. National Rail confirmed that the transport disturbances are expected to continue indefinitely until the problems are resolved. Eurostar issued a statement confirming the suspension of all services to and from London amid these technical difficulties and advised passengers to re-book with options for free exchanges, refunds, or e-vouchers available.

The disabled Le Shuttle train has since been removed from the tunnel, and Eurotunnel plans to restart services around 15:00 CET (14:00 GMT). The company emphasized its commitment to resolving the situation swiftly and acknowledged the lengthy delays passengers are experiencing during check-in and border control procedures. Passengers stuck in the situation have shared their personal experiences, with some describing long wait times and limited information. For example, Ben Clark from Bedfordshire recounted being held inside the Le Shuttle at Calais with his family since early in the morning and having to find ways to keep restless children occupied. Meanwhile, Matthew Webber from Suffolk highlighted frustrations over the lack of communication and the growing queues at the tunnel entrance, with some travelers considering alternative routes such as ferries.

At the Calais terminal, delays stretch to around three hours, affecting many travelers, including Steph Roberts from Ashford, Kent, who has been waiting since mid-morning. She mentioned the absence of updates or provision of food and water but shared that she kept busy by checking social media, reading magazines, and taking her dog for walks. On the UK side, cars and coaches have begun queuing outside the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, reflecting the scale of the disruption impacting passengers across both countries

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