Dramatic scenes unfolded on the M20 motorway in Kent as desperate holidaymakers, including families with young children, were forced to abandon their stationary coaches and walk along the hard shoulder. The extraordinary measures were taken amid severe delays and gridlock caused by disruptions to Eurotunnel services.
Shocking footage captured the perilous situation, showing lines of people, some wheeling suitcases, trekking along the busy motorway. The incident highlights the extreme lengths travellers were driven to after being stuck for hours with little information or respite.
A Perfect Storm of Travel Disruption
The chaos was triggered by a combination of factors. A fault with the Eurotunnel's overhead power lines earlier in the week created a significant backlog of freight and passenger traffic. This was compounded by the aftermath of a fatal collision on the M20, which had already caused major congestion in the area.
With coaches stuck in miles of stationary traffic and temperatures rising, passengers reported being left without adequate water, food, or functioning toilets. The desperate decision to continue their journey on foot was a last resort for many.
Operator Responses and Passenger Fury
Travel operators P&O Ferries and DFDS cited "technical issues" with the Eurotunnel as the root cause of the massive delays. A spokesperson for Getlink, the company that operates the Channel Tunnel, acknowledged the "inconvenience and frustration" caused to customers.
However, passengers expressed fury at the lack of communication and support. Many took to social media to describe the ordeal as "appalling" and "dangerous," criticising the operators for leaving them stranded without essential supplies.
Safety Warnings and Ongoing Disruption
Kent Police were forced to issue a stark warning, reminding the public that walking on a motorway is incredibly dangerous and illegal. A spokesperson urged people to remain in their vehicles for their own safety.
While Eurotunnel services later resumed, the knock-on effect of the disruption was expected to last for many hours, causing continued misery for thousands of travellers attempting to begin their summer holidays.
