A major power failure at the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone has thrown cross-Channel travel into disarray, causing widespread cancellations and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has had a knock-on effect, severely impacting services at the nearby Port of Dover.
Eurostar was forced to cancel all services for the remainder of the day, advising passengers not to attempt to travel to London St Pancras, Ashford, or Ebbsfleet International stations. The operator cited a "complete power failure" affecting the terminal in Folkestone as the primary cause for the suspension of all train movements.
Passenger Frustration Mounts Amidst Uncertainty
Travel chaos ensued as passengers were left in limbo, with many reporting being stuck on stationary trains for hours with little information. Social media was flooded with accounts of frustrating delays and a lack of clear communication from service providers.
One affected traveller described the scene as "absolute chaos," highlighting the difficulty in obtaining basic necessities and updates. The disruption has caused significant distress, particularly for families and those on tight travel schedules.
Port of Dover Experiences Severe Delays
The problems at the Eurotunnel created a domino effect, leading to severe delays at the Port of Dover. With one of the main arteries for crossing the Channel blocked, increased pressure was placed on ferry services, resulting in long queues and extended waiting times for road freight and car passengers.
This incident underscores the fragility of the UK's critical cross-Channel transport links and the widespread impact a single point of failure can have on international travel and trade.
Investigation Underway as Services Resume
Eurotunnel has confirmed that engineers are working to resolve the power issue and a full investigation into the cause of the failure is underway. Services began a gradual recovery later in the day, but the operator warned passengers to expect residual delays and to check their website for the latest information before travelling.
This event serves as a stark reminder for travellers to prepare for potential disruptions, especially during peak holiday periods when the transport network is under maximum strain.
