Eurostar passengers travelling from London St Pancras to Amsterdam via Brussels found themselves stranded at Folkestone for nearly eight hours due to a power line problem. The incident occurred when an electrical cable snapped and fell onto the train carriage, leaving passengers in darkness without electricity, food, water, or working toilets.
The ordeal began when the 8:16 am train, which was en route to Brussels, came to a sudden stop as it was about to enter the Channel Tunnel. Passengers reported hearing sparks and loud bangs before the train ground to a halt. As a result, toilets on the train became flooded with urine, faeces, and cigarettes, creating an increasingly dire situation for passengers.
Many frustrated passengers took to social media, including Twitter (formerly known as X), to complain about their ordeal. Eurostar initially explained that a train had been “detached from the overhead power lines,” causing the delay. However, the situation took longer to resolve than anticipated.
Eurostar later issued an apology, acknowledging the “very challenging situation on board” and expressing their extreme regret for passengers’ experiences. They confirmed that the affected train was on its way back to London but noted that the situation had been complicated due to the train’s position and track infrastructure.
Passengers shared their frustrations online, with one noting that it had been eight hours since boarding and questioning why no food or water had been distributed to those stuck onboard. Another passenger reported that while the train’s lights had come on after hours in darkness, the situation remained concerning.
Rebecca Morris, a passenger from Horsham, West Sussex, mentioned that her group of six had been provided with water but no food. She described the conditions on board as “dreadful” and mentioned that passengers were “freezing cold.” The passengers had been planning to visit the Christmas markets in Brussels.
The incident highlights the significant challenges and discomfort faced by passengers due to a technical issue beyond their control. Eurostar has been working to resolve the situation and ensure the well-being of the affected passengers.
It is essential for railway operators to maintain and regularly inspect their infrastructure to prevent incidents like this and minimize disruptions to passengers’ travel plans. Passengers should also be kept informed and supported during such unforeseen events to ensure their safety and comfort.
