Clearance operations have successfully wrapped up after construction workers discovered an unexploded bomb from World War II in Paris. The half-ton explosive was found buried about six feet underground between train tracks leading to Gare Du Nord, a busy station that serves around 700,000 passengers daily.
The bomb was unearthed during bridge repair work, prompting immediate action from bomb disposal teams. They arrived quickly and set up a 500-meter security perimeter around the site. This discovery caused significant travel disruptions, particularly affecting Eurostar services, which connect London and Paris through the Channel Tunnel. Domestic travel in northern France also faced delays.
Morning commuters at Gare du Nord encountered signs warning of the disruption, along with long lines of passengers trying to exchange tickets and get updates. Eurostar travelers at London’s St. Pancras International station were similarly left waiting for news as cancellations spread across western Europe.
Many travelers were forced to scramble for alternative arrangements. Some were advised to find flights or book tickets for trains to Lille in northern France. Gabrielle Cotton, a tourist from Missouri, found herself stuck in Brussels instead of traveling from Amsterdam to Paris after hearing about the bomb. Michel Garrot, stranded with his wife in Belgium, expressed frustration, saying they would have to change their travel plans.
Eurostar offered some passengers free rebooking options or refunds, but no additional compensation. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of unexploded ordnance in France, where such discoveries are not uncommon but usually do not lead to major disruptions. France’s transport minister, Philippe Tabarot, indicated that Gare Du Nord could remain closed until Saturday morning.
Since World War II ended in 1945, France has defused around 700,000 air-dropped bombs and disarmed approximately 50 million mines and other explosive devices. The swift response to this recent discovery underscores the country’s ongoing efforts to ensure public safety in areas still affected by past conflicts.