A World War II bomb discovered near Paris’ Gare du Nord train station caused major travel disruptions on Friday, leading to the suspension of Eurostar services and affecting 600,000 travelers. The unexploded half-ton bomb was found during construction work in the Seine-Saint-Denis area, prompting emergency response teams to secure and dispose of the device.
Train and Travel Disruptions Across France
According to SNCF (French National Rail Operator), more than 500 train services were canceled, including:
- Eurostar services to London and Brussels
- High-speed TGV and commuter rail lines to northern France
- RER B connections to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Train operations gradually resumed at 6 p.m. local time (1700 GMT), and the A1 highway and parts of the Paris ring road reopened after being shut for several hours.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed that 300 police officers secured a 500-meter perimeter while bomb disposal experts conducted their operation.
Eurostar, SNCF Apologize for Cancellations
Eurostar and SNCF advised passengers to check updates on their official websites and seek alternative travel options. Eurostar acknowledged the inconvenience, offering rebookings and refunds but no additional compensation.
At London’s St. Pancras International, affected travelers were urged to take trains to Lille, France, or consider alternative flights to Paris.
For real-time updates, travelers can visit:
- Eurostar.com for train rebooking options
- SNCF.com for domestic rail updates
- interieur.gouv.fr for official government safety alerts
How the WWII Bomb Was Found and Disposed Of
According to the French Interior Ministry, construction workers discovered the half-ton bomb at a depth of two meters while working on a bridge replacement project near the railway tracks. Within an hour, a 200-meter security zone was established, later expanded to 500 meters as experts assessed the device.
Disposal teams successfully neutralized the bomb in an operation that lasted most of the day. The method used to render the bomb safe has not yet been disclosed.
Historical Context: WWII Bombing in Paris
The French Ministry of Defense states that unexploded ordnance from World War I and II is still frequently found across France. Since 1945, military teams have neutralized over 700,000 bombs and 50 million mines and shells.
While Paris was not as heavily bombed as Normandy, industrial sites, rail networks, and factories were targeted in Allied air raids. According to Paris city archives, more than 3,600 people were killed in wartime bombings around the capital.
Travel Resumes, but Delays Continue
As train services normalize, passengers are urged to check real-time travel updates and allow extra time for their journeys. Authorities have assured that further safety assessments will be conducted in the area to prevent future disruptions.
The post New updates: WWII bomb disposal in Paris shuts down Gare du Nord, disrupts Eurostar and travel appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
