Thousands of Eurostar passengers suffered major travel chaos today because of a track closure in France sparked by a power failure.
Nine services between London and Paris were cancelled and a further 12 delayed – with travellers being advised to postpone their journeys until a later date.
Summer holiday plans have been delayed following the closure caused by a power failure on the high-speed line between Moussy and Longueil in northern France.
The problem began at around 8.30am local time, with disruption expected to last for the rest of the day as trains were diverted to run on slower lines.
Eurostar services between Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris were also affected, but the issue did not impact trains from London to Amsterdam and London to Brussels.
The disruption was affecting one of Europe’s busiest international rail corridors at the height of the summer travel season.
Passengers wait for trains in a busy London St Pancras international station today
Delayed travellers wait for trains at London St Pancras station today as disruption continues
A Eurostar spokeswoman said: ‘We advise passengers on these routes to postpone their journey if possible. They can exchange their ticket free of charge or request a full refund.
‘Extra staff have been deployed in the stations to assist passengers. Trains between London and Amsterdam; Brussels and Amsterdam; Brussels and London; and Brussels and Cologne are not impacted.
‘Eurostar thanks its customers for their understanding and we continue to do everything possible to assist our passengers to the best of our ability.’
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Thousands of Eurostar passengers have their summer holidays delayed after a track closure in France sparked by a power failure