World War II Bomb Found at Paris Gare du Nord: Train Services Disrupted, Eurostar Hit
Travelers faced major disruptions at Paris’s Gare du Nord station on Friday morning after an unexploded World War II bomb was found near the tracks. The French national railway company, Transport Express Regional (TER), confirmed the discovery, stating on X, “An unexploded bomb from the Second World War was discovered near the tracks.” This unexpected find has thrown one of Europe’s busiest train hubs into chaos.
Gare du Nord, which handles around 700,000 passengers daily, serves local metro lines, high-speed trains, and international Eurostar services connecting Paris to London and beyond. The bomb, located in the Saint-Denis area during overnight maintenance, has forced authorities to halt all train traffic. TER reported that the disruption affects local, national, and international services, with no clear timeline for when things will return to normal.
Eurostar, the high-speed rail linking the UK and France, has been hit hard. According to its website, at least three morning departures from Gare du Nord were canceled, Reuters noted. Passengers hoping to travel to London, Brussels, or other destinations are facing delays and uncertainty. Eurostar has advised travelers to check updates and consider postponing trips while police and bomb disposal experts work to neutralize the device.
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This isn’t the first time a World War II relic has disrupted modern life in Europe. Unexploded bombs from the 1940s are occasionally unearthed during construction or maintenance, a lingering reminder of the war’s impact. At Gare du Nord, the situation has sparked long queues and frustration, with authorities prioritizing safety over speed.
For now, travelers are urged to stay patient and monitor official updates. The bomb’s removal could take hours, and disruptions may stretch into the afternoon or beyond. Gare du Nord’s role as a key transport hub—serving 214 million passengers yearly, per Eurostar stats—means this incident’s ripple effects could be felt across France and neighboring countries. Stay tuned as efforts continue to clear the tracks and restore normal service.
