Train service at Paris’s Gare du Nord, one of Europe’s busiest stations, was temporarily suspended today following the discovery of a 1,000-pound unexploded World War II-era bomb near the tracks. The disruption impacted Eurostar trains connecting Paris to London, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
Bomb Found During Construction approximately six and a half feet underground in the Saint-Denis suburb, located north of the French capital, prompting the immediate response.
Emergency Response involved deployment of over 300 police officers to secure the area and establish a wide perimeter, according to French authorities.
Travel Impact centered on Gare du Nord, where all train services were suspended. Eurostar canceled all trains for the day, leaving passengers stranded in Paris and London.
French Transportation Minister Philippe Tabarot acknowledged that while not routine, such discoveries are not uncommon in Europe due to the region’s history.
“This was not a trivial operation,” Philippe Tabarot, France’s transportation minister, told reporters in Paris after the bomb was defused, adding that more than 300 police officers had been deployed to clear and secure a broad perimeter around the device, which weighed more than 1,000 pounds.
Service Restoration expected tomorrow. Eurostar is advising affected passengers to exchange tickets or claim refunds. Travelers are encouraged to check official sources for updates.
The incident highlights the lasting legacy of World War II beneath Europe’s modern infrastructure, requiring vigilance and preparedness for unexpected disruptions.
