Eurostar has issued a stark warning to passengers, advising them to postpone journeys and prepare for major disruption due to a critical infrastructure failure in the Channel Tunnel.
Power Failure Halts Cross-Channel Services
The high-speed rail operator confirmed a significant problem with the overhead power supply in the Channel Tunnel. This technical fault was compounded by a separate incident involving a failed Le Shuttle train, creating a perfect storm of travel chaos.
In an urgent statement, Eurostar strongly advised all passengers to postpone their journey to a different date if possible. The company explicitly requested that travellers avoid coming to stations unless they already hold a ticket for imminent travel.
Severe Disruption for Thousands of Passengers
The cascading effect of the initial power issue means that even services which manage to operate are facing severe delays and last-minute cancellations. This has left an untold number of passengers stranded or facing uncertain travel plans between the UK and continental Europe.
Eurostar expressed regret for the situation, which is expected to cause widespread inconvenience throughout the day. The disruption highlights the vulnerability of this critical transport link to single points of failure.
Essential Advice for Affected Travellers
The operator's primary guidance is clear: do not travel unless absolutely necessary. For those who must make their journey, Eurostar is directing passengers to constantly monitor the live situation.
"Please check for live updates on the status of your train on the Train status and timetables page," the company stated, emphasising the fluid and unpredictable nature of the disruption. Passengers are urged to allow extra time and prepare for further announcements as engineers work to resolve the problem.