Eurostar and LeShuttle services are facing significant disruption following a power outage in the Channel Tunnel and a subsequent breakdown of a LeShuttle train. Passengers traveling between the UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands have experienced widespread cancellations and severe delays, with many advised to reschedule their journeys.
Key Takeaways
- Eurostar services from London to Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels were cancelled.
- A power outage in the Channel Tunnel caused initial issues.
- A broken-down LeShuttle train further complicated the situation.
- Passengers faced severe delays, with some stuck for hours on trains or at terminals.
- Eurostar offered free rebooking, refunds, or e-vouchers to affected travelers.
Channel Tunnel Power Outage Triggers Delays
The initial problems began with an overhead power supply issue in parts of the Channel Tunnel. This technical fault emerged last night, leading to immediate concerns for cross-Channel rail traffic. Engineers worked to resolve the power supply problem, which impacted the smooth operation of both passenger and vehicle transport services.
The Channel Tunnel is a vital link between the UK and mainland Europe. Any disruption within its infrastructure has far-reaching effects on international travel. The power outage created a bottleneck, preventing trains from moving efficiently through the underwater passage.
Fact Check
- The Channel Tunnel spans 50.45 kilometers (31.35 miles).
- It connects Folkestone, Kent, in the UK with Coquelles, Pas-de-Calais, near Calais in northern France.
- Both Eurostar passenger trains and LeShuttle vehicle trains use the tunnel.
LeShuttle Train Breakdown Exacerbates Problems
Adding to the power supply issues, a LeShuttle train broke down inside the Channel Tunnel. This incident further complicated efforts to restore normal service. LeShuttle trains carry road vehicles, including cars and coaches, along with their passengers, between Folkestone and Calais.
The breakdown meant that one of the two tunnel bores became partially blocked, limiting capacity and causing significant backlogs. Efforts to move the disabled train were underway, but this process contributed to extended waiting times for other services.
"The first two-and-a-half hours weren't too bad but the girls have got restless in the last half an hour," said Ben Clark, who was stuck on a LeShuttle service with his family. "Some people are getting angry but there's nothing that can be done."
Widespread Cancellations and Passenger Impact
By midday on Tuesday, at least a dozen Eurostar services had been cancelled. These cancellations affected routes connecting London with Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels. Thousands of passengers found their travel plans disrupted, with many left stranded at terminals.
Eurostar advised travelers with cancelled services not to come to London St Pancras International. For those with trains that were not cancelled, the company warned of severe delays and possible last-minute changes. Passengers were strongly encouraged to postpone their travel if possible.
Traveler Options
Eurostar offered several options to affected passengers: they could rearrange their travel plans free of charge, receive a full refund, or opt for an e-voucher for future travel. This flexibility aimed to mitigate some of the frustration caused by the unexpected delays.
Scenes at Terminals: Long Waits and Frustration
Both the UK and French terminals experienced significant queues and extended waiting times. At Folkestone, LeShuttle reported delays of approximately three-and-a-half hours to booked departure times. On the French side, at the Calais terminal, delays were also around three hours.
Passengers described a lack of clear information during their waits. Matthew Webber, stuck for hours at Folkestone, noted, "Not a lot of information being given out which is poor. Lots of queues and everyone is waiting to get on the Tunnel." Some travelers decided to leave the queues and seek alternative transport, such as ferries.
Personal Accounts of Disruption
Steph Roberts, who had spent two weeks in France, found herself stuck at the Calais terminal with her husband and dog. "We've not had any updates or been given any food or water," she stated. She resorted to social media and magazines to pass the time during the prolonged wait.
The disruption impacted families and individuals alike, many of whom were traveling after the Christmas holiday period. The unexpected nature of the incident left many without contingency plans, as snacks ran out and patience wore thin among those waiting in their vehicles.
Partial Resumption of Services Underway
Despite the ongoing challenges, Channel Tunnel operations have partially reopened. Eurotunnel LeShuttle services are also gradually resuming. However, the overhead power supply issue, though being addressed, continues to impact service regularity.
Travelers planning to use Eurostar or LeShuttle in the coming days should monitor official updates closely. The advice remains to check service status before traveling and consider rescheduling if flexibility allows, to avoid further inconvenience.
