This morning, all train services at Gare du Nord, France’s busiest railway station, have been brought to a standstill following the discovery of an unexploded World War II unexploded bomb.
Eurostar, which connects Paris to London and other European cities, has confirmed the cancellation of several scheduled departures as authorities work to neutralise the explosive.
The unexploded ordinance was discovered in the middle of the tracks in the Saint-Denis area, a suburb of Paris, during routine overnight maintenance work. The sudden find has prompted immediate safety measures, with local police and bomb disposal units taking charge of the situation.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the size or origin of the bomb, but given its potential danger, a large-scale security operation has been put into place to prevent any harm to passengers, railway staff, and infrastructure.
Eurostar’s website indicates that at least three morning departures on Friday have been cancelled. The company has yet to release an official statement, though passengers have been advised to check their tickets and make alternative arrangements if necessary.
Gare du Nord, a crucial transportation hub in Europe, serves approximately 214 million passengers annually. The disruption is expected to have a widespread impact on both international and domestic travel, with delays and cancellations affecting thousands of commuters. In addition to Eurostar, regional and high-speed rail services that connect Paris with other major French cities have also been suspended.
It is not uncommon for unexploded bombs from World War II to be discovered in France and other parts of Europe. Between 1940 and 1944, Nazi Germany heavily bombed Paris and its surroundings, leaving behind a deadly legacy that occasionally resurfaces during construction and maintenance work. Similar discoveries have led to large-scale evacuations in past years, underscoring the persistent risk posed by wartime remnants.
France has specialised bomb disposal units trained to handle such situations, and they are currently assessing how best to remove or neutralise the device. The operation is expected to take several hours, and authorities are urging passengers to remain patient while safety protocols are followed.
Many travelers at Gare du Nord have expressed frustration over the disruption, with some lamenting the lack of immediate alternative arrangements. Others, however, have acknowledged the necessity of safety precautions. “It’s frustrating, of course, but safety comes first. If it takes a few hours to ensure everything is secure, then it’s worth it,” said one passenger who was scheduled to board a morning Eurostar service to London.
Passengers who were due to travel today are being advised to check Eurostar’s website and social media channels for real-time updates. Some affected travelers may be eligible for ticket exchanges or refunds, depending on the duration of the disruption.
While authorities work to resolve the situation, rail companies are also preparing contingency plans to manage delays once the station reopens. It remains unclear how long the security operation will last, but similar cases in the past have taken several hours, depending on the complexity of the disposal process.
In the broader context, the incident at Gare du Nord highlights the ongoing challenges of dealing with wartime remnants in modern urban centres. As cities continue to expand and develop, such discoveries are likely to occur again, necessitating continued vigilance and preparedness.
For now, travellers are advised to stay informed and make alternative travel arrangements where possible. Authorities have assured the public that safety is their top priority and that every effort is being made to resolve the situation as swiftly and safely as possible.
Main Image: Le Parisien, via X
