One in Four Eurostar Trains Cancelled After Arson Attacks in Paris

The attacks, which targeted key high-speed rail lines in France, have led to significant delays and cancellations affecting Eurostar's international routes from London St Pancras to Paris and Brussels. The vandalism has resulted in a substantial portion of Eurostar services being suspended, creating major travel disruptions for those attending the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games and millions of summer vacationers.

The rail operator reported that the cancellations are due to "coordinated" acts of vandalism, which have severely impacted travel on the French Atlantique, Nord, and Est high-speed lines. As a result, passengers have been advised to cancel their trips where possible or expect major delays if they choose to travel. Eurostar services to Paris are particularly affected, with high-speed trains being diverted, extending journey times by approximately 90 minutes.

French rail company SNCF confirmed that incendiary devices were discovered and fires were set at several critical points on the rail network. This sabotage has forced the company to prioritize repairs and conduct extensive checks on the damaged lines. SNCF stated that the disruptions are expected to persist through at least the weekend, with repair teams working around the clock to restore normal service.

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On Friday morning, some Eurostar passengers managed to board trains despite the delays. Megan Murphy, 50, arriving on a London-Paris train, described the situation as “crowded but manageable” but expressed concern about the potential worsening of delays for subsequent services. Sarah Moseley, another affected traveler, lamented the timing of the disruption, calling it "a hell of a way to start the Olympics."

The French Transport Minister, Patrice Vergriete, revealed that multiple fires were reported near the rail tracks, and some individuals were seen fleeing the scene. The damage to the rail network has caused extensive disruptions to both domestic and international services, including those connecting to Belgium and other parts of France.

Eurostar has urged affected passengers to postpone their trips if possible and is offering free modifications, refunds, or cancellations for those impacted by the disruptions. The company has also advised travelers to check their train status before departure to avoid unnecessary delays.

The disruptions have impacted the travel plans of many, including athletes arriving for the Olympics. However, the British Olympic Association confirmed that only two Team GB athletes scheduled to arrive on Friday faced minor delays.

In contrast, Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, which operates vehicle transport services between Folkestone and Calais, reported no impact on its operations from the recent incidents.

The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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