Eurostar suspends all Europe trains due to power problem

LONDON: Eurostar suspended train services in Europe on Tuesday after a power supply problem in the Channel tunnel, sparking travel chaos for passengers during the very busy New Year period.

Passengers were left scrambling to find alternatives after the operator postponed all services between London, Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels.

“Due to a problem with the overhead power supply and a subsequent failed Le Shuttle train the Channel tunnel is currently closed,” read a message on the Eurostar website.

“Unfortunately, this means we have no choice but to suspend all services today until further notice,” it said, asking passengers not to go to the station. The company later said it was starting to resume train services through the Channel tunnel — but that “the overhead power supply issue remains” and it still urged passengers to delay travel.

Eurostar’s site showed even services on the continent not using the Channel tunnel — such as ones between Paris and Brussels — had been cancelled during the day.

Crowds of stranded travellers, many with suitcases, swelled at London’s St Pancras station and at Gare du Nord in Paris as the notification went out that their end-of-year holiday plans were being thrown into doubt.