Eurostar delays live: All trains cancelled after power failure in Channel Tunnel sparks travel chaos
Passengers told not to travel to London St Pancras to catch trains as all services hit
All Eurostar services between London and Europe have been cancelled due to “major disruption” in the Channel Tunnel, and passengers have been told not to go to London St Pancras today.
The rail operator blames a problem with the overhead power supply in the tunnel.
Crowds of waiting passengers have been building up at London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord stations.
Eurostar said: “Due to a problem with the overhead power supply and a subsequent failed Le Shuttle train, the Channel tunnel is currently closed.
“Unfortunately, this means we have no choice but to suspend all services today until further notice.
“Please do not come to the station.”
Services on the LeShuttle service which carries road vehicles between Folkestone and Calais are also badly hit.
Tunnel has reopened but services still not running, says Eurostar
Simon Calder reports from London St Pancras:
At 2.45 pm, an announcement rang out across the concourse: “The Channel Tunnel has reopened but Eurostar services are not yet running. We are awaiting updates and will keep you informed.”
The problem for passengers is that once trains resume, there will be an almighty scramble for seats. Those with bookings for trains that are running will take priority.
But travellers report problems using the Eurostar app, and say that options to rebook for later services are not available.
‘Quiet despair’ as thousands seek travel alternatives
Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent, reports from London St Pancras International: “The scene at the Eurostar terminal is of quiet despair.
“Thousands of passengers are crowded into the concourse, kept back from the Eurostar ticketing and check-in area by police and security staff.
“I can see no visible Eurostar staff – just a list of cancelled trains and a sign reading: ‘Due to a problem in the Eurotunnel, our trains are likely to be subject to severe delays. Sorry for the inconvenience caused’.
“Most of the passengers are seeking to return from the UK to continental Europe. They are huddled around smartphones trying to find some other way home.”
Dog stuck without water for hours
Dogs including Tim Brown’s dog Rilo were stuck without food or water for more than three hours on Le Shuttle at Calais.
Mr Brown, who was trying to get back to the UK after spending Christmas in Germany, said his dogs Rilo and Vinnie were "hating life" stuck on the train.
"The fact that nobody has come around offering everybody a bottle of water is what has shocked me the most," he said.
"I know things happen, but surely that would be an easy way to help."
LeShuttle services expected to restart gradually
LeShuttle services through the Channel Tunnel are expected to resume gradually after an earlier power supply incident, the operator says.
Getlink, which manages and operates the tunnel, said: "An incident related to the power supply to trains occurred last night in part of the Channel Tunnel, affecting train and shuttle traffic. A technical intervention is required, which is currently under way.
"The service is temporarily suspended in both directions. Traffic is expected to resume gradually around 1500 CET [Central European Time ] for LeShuttle customers.
"Our teams are working to restore the situation as quickly as possible.
"Waiting times will be adjusted throughout the day.
"Eurotunnel apologises for the inconvenience and thanks its customers for their patience and understanding."
Hundreds of cars backed up
Hundreds of cars are stuck in long queues for Le Shuttle at Folkestone.
At least it’s not raining.
East Coast rail firm lets Eurostar passengers go home free
Passengers affected by the Eurostar disruption can travel to their home station free on LNER trains, the rail operator says.
It said: "LNER customers with tickets dated Tuesday, December 30, who have been affected can travel on an alternative LNER train today, December 30.
"Any customers who have had to abandon their journey in London King's Cross can return to their home station on the next available LNER service at no additional cost.
"LNER customers who choose to defer their Eurostar travel to a different day may use their existing LNER ticket to travel on the same day."
LNER runs services on the East Coast Main Line.
In pictures: Queues to board Le Shuttle
Broken-down train moved out of tunnel
A broken down LeShuttle train has been moved out of the Channel Tunnel, a Eurostar spokesperson has told the PA news agency.
The operator said no passengers were stranded in the tunnel.
All services confirmed as suspended
All services today have been suspended, Eurostar has confirmed.
An updated statement on its website says: "Due to a problem with the overhead power supply and a subsequent failed Le Shuttle train the Channel tunnel is currently closed.
"Unfortunately, this means we have no choice but to suspend all services today until further notice.
"Please do not come to the station.
"We're very sorry for the impact the situation may have on your travel plans."
EasyJet puts on bigger planes
Britain's biggest budget airline, easyJet, is using larger planes for some of its scheduled flights today linking Luton and Gatwick with Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.
A spokesperson said: "This has added over 200 extra seats and while they have sold out quickly, we will of course be monitoring for any additional opportunities to add capacity where possible and provide more options to help those whose plans have been impacted by the suspended train services."
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