Major Eurostar update after all trains cancelled due to flooding in tunnels

30 December 2023 , 21:27

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Eurostar have given passengers hope after a day of cancellations (Image: PA)

People hoping to get home or elsewhere to celebrate New Year's Eve have been given hope by Eurostar after a day of cancellations.

Tens of thousands of people’s plans for tomorrow night were thrown into doubt after this morning’s chaos all trains to and from London were cancelled. Routes to and from Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels were closed as a result of severe flooding, believed to have been caused by a burst pipe feeding the tunnel's fire safety system.

However, in an announcement set to cause joy for passengers dreaming of their ideal New Year's party, Eurostar says all its services will resume on Sunday as the "unprecedented flooding" has been brought under control. As a result, at least one tunnel can now be used. Customers have been warned to expect further delays and busy stations as travel returns to normal.

In a statement, Eurostar said: "Flooding in the Thames tunnels has been brought under control by Network Rail High Speed meaning at least one tunnel can now be used and a full service can operate. There will be some speed restrictions in place in the morning which may lead to delays and stations are expected to be very busy.

"Unfortunately, this unprecedented event has caused major disruption to customers today. Customers are encouraged to visit the Eurostar website for more information on their journey and compensation entitlement."

Trains pitted against planes as travel experts race from London to Brussels

Forlorn passengers waiting for news at St Pancras earlier today (PA)

The nightmare began for passengers on Friday when water filled tunnels near Ebbsfleet International in Kent, scuppering all high speed services. The issue is believed to have been caused by a burst pipe feeding the tunnel's fire safety system. Footage shot in the tunnel showed water gushing from a pipe.

Today, tens of thousands of passengers' plans were thrown into disarray when all Eurostar services in and out of London were cancelled. Furious customers only became aware of the cancellations and chaos when they arrived at St Pancras this morning. In the aftermath of the cancellations, families and travellers were left scrambling to get to their destinations in time. It was reported some returned home to get their cars and try and catch the ferry across, whereas others opted to book flights.

Antony Clements-Thrower