EUROSTAR passengers were stranded for more than nine hours after a London-bound train got “stuck on the tracks”.
Angry travellers took to social media today, claiming they were left without help and working toilets for hours.
GettyThe Eurostar train was bound for London[/caption]
XA band called Stornoway tried to lift the spirits of stranded passengers[/caption]
Others complained that the lack of air con and ventilation on stifling Eurostar services was taking its toll on passengers.
Passengers have since arrived in London on a replacement train, which collected them up from next to the tracks just outside of Calais.
Eurostar has issued an apology and said those affected will receive a full refund.
“The situation was extremely difficult for our travellers, and once again we extend our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused,” it said in a statement.
“The incident will be fully investigated by Eurostar,” it added.
Eurostar added that the disruption was caused by a power failure, sparking severe delays.
A rescue train was “promptly dispatched” to collect passengers.
Earlier, one passenger told of paramedics onboard, treating people who have become unwell.
The operator said in a statement to one traveller: “We’re sending a replacement train to take you to London, which should arrive shortly. You’ll need to leave the train.
“For your own safety, please remain seated for now and wait for instructions from our onboard team.”
Passengers have managed to get out of the train but there has been “no communication” so far from Eurostar, one has claimed.
Photos shared on social media revealed people lining by the side of the train while waiting for an update on the incident.
A person tweeted: “After 5 hours… people get out. Still no communication. No new train.”
Meanwhile, a quick-thinking band was filmed serenading stranded passengers to try and lift the spirits after a day of travel chaos.
The moving video was uploaded to X, formerly Twitter, showing the band – understood to be British Indie folk outfit Stornoway – singing a tune called ‘Home’.
Passengers from the Eurostar were seen sitting on the gravel as they enjoyed a moment of respite.
One passenger claimed on Twitter that they had been stuck ” for three hours”.
She added: “There is no air-conditioning, the toilets are overflowing and we have not had a single update from any member of staff in well over two hours.
“This is absolutely appalling. There are young children just trapped on here.”
Another traveller onboard the stuck train echoed these concerns and said old and young people on the train appeared to not be doing well.
A third woman said she was with two “overheating” children, in a train with no toilets.
The lack of communication from the company has caused serious concern, with passenger Serge de Gheldere writing: “Almost 3h. Still no news, no air. This is not just an incident or bad luck.
“There is no plan. Instead of opening the doors and trusting the people, they only have one or two doors open and let people almost suffocate. There are asthma patients and infants on board.”
It comes after massive delays plagued the Eurostar last month.
Severe delays and disruptions continued for days after 600metres of copper cables were stolen overnight.
Trains in both directions between London St Pancras International and Gare Du Nord in Paris were either cancelled or delayed for hours.
This was because two people were hit by trains in separate tragedies.
But the travel chaos worsened after a massive theft of cables in northern France forced high-speed trains to move to different routes.
A spokesperson for Eurostar told The Sun: “Earlier today, Eurostar train 9117, travelling from Brussels to London, came to a standstill between Lille and Calais due to a power failure, leaving the train without onboard electricity.
“To provide passengers with some comfort during the delay, train doors were opened to allow fresh air to circulate, and water was distributed.
“A rescue train was promptly dispatched from Brussels to carry out a complex transfer operation. This process, supported by local authorities and SNCF Réseau personnel on site, is taking longer than anticipated and is still ongoing.
“Eurostar teams are doing everything possible to ensure all affected passengers reach their final destination, London St Pancras, as soon as possible.
“We understand how difficult this experience has been and sincerely apologise for the disruption and discomfort caused. We are also extremely grateful for our passengers’ patience and cooperation throughout.
“Eurostar will offer all affected customers a compensation package of either a full cash refund (100%) or 300% of the ticket value in the form of an e-voucher.”
LNPPassengers at London St Pancras International station earlier today[/caption]
LNPEurostar services have faced major disruption[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
