Eurostar passengers are braced for more possible disruption, after a power outage in the Channel Tunnel caused travel chaos for thousands of people on New Year's Eve. Many travelers reported spending over six hours stuck onboard trains overnight as services continued to be delayed.
Passengers described a dire situation, with one man stating he had been onboard the 19:01 service to Paris but was still at the entrance to the tunnel at 03:00 GMT. I guess my new year plan is in the hands of the tunnel operators now, he commented.
Despite Eurostar's efforts to run all services on Wednesday, they warned that delays and cancellations may still occur. Notably, the planned service from London to Paris scheduled for 06:00 GMT was canceled.
The power issue, combined with a broken down LeShuttle train, blocked all routes on Tuesday, leading to widespread disruptions for those trying to get away for New Year's Eve. Some services started to resume by Tuesday evening, but only one of the Channel Tunnel’s two rail lines was operational.
Throughout this period, the operator Getlink, responsible for the Channel Tunnel, worked to resolve the power outage, attempting to mitigate the chaos that unfolded.
Eurostar's website provided updates indicating that while they planned to resume all services, passengers should anticipate possible delays due to the previous disruptions. The travel chaos was particularly challenging for those returning home for the celebrations, leaving many feeling anxious and frustrated.
Images of large crowds at London St Pancras International station circulated on social media, illustrating the scope of the service disruption. With numerous trains canceled, Eurostar urged customers to consider rearranging their journeys or canceling for a refund.
As travelers recount their experiences, it's evident that the disruption from the power outage created a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving many anxious about their travel plans during the holiday season.
