Travelers faced significant disruptions this week due to a theft of copper cables near Lille, France. The incident involved around 600 meters of cable, which led to train services being rerouted and extended travel times for many passengers.
On Tuesday, the railway line between Lille and Paris was closed for most of the afternoon and evening, resulting in widespread cancellations. Eurostar reported that five trains connecting London and Paris were canceled, affecting numerous travelers. Despite the chaos, the railway line has since been repaired, and no further cancellations are expected on Wednesday.
Passengers impacted by the cancellations have the option to change their travel plans without any fees or request a full refund, according to Eurostar. The company expressed regret for the inconvenience caused, stating that their teams are working closely with French authorities to restore services safely.
While some trains are now running again, the situation at major stations like London’s St Pancras International remains busy. Hundreds of passengers are queuing to rebook their journeys, and many have reported long wait times. Elizabeth Romijn, a 75-year-old yoga teacher from the Netherlands, described the scene as chaotic, noting that people were sitting on the ground due to a lack of seating.
Water is being provided to those stuck on delayed trains, but the atmosphere remains tense as travelers seek information and assistance. The theft incident not only affected Eurostar services but also caused delays on trains between London, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
As the railway line returns to normal, passengers can expect some residual delays as services and crews are rearranged. Eurostar continues to work on minimizing the impact of this disruption on its customers.