Paris– Travel chaos struck one of Europe’s busiest transit hubs today as an unexploded World War II bomb was uncovered near railway tracks in Paris, forcing the suspension of Eurostar services to London and all train routes to northern France.
France’s national rail operator, SNCF, announced that operations at Gare du Nord—a key international and regional station—were halted on Friday morning at the request of local police. The disruption is expected to last until at least mid-morning as authorities work to safely address the situation.
“We urge passengers to delay their travel plans where possible,” SNCF said in an official statement.
Gare du Nord serves as a critical gateway for travelers heading to destinations north of France, including the United Kingdom via Eurostar, as well as Paris’s main airport and numerous regional commuter lines. The unexpected closure has left thousands of passengers stranded or scrambling to adjust their itineraries.
While remnants of World War I and II bombs are occasionally unearthed across France, discoveries in densely populated urban centers like Paris are exceptionally rare, amplifying the significance of this incident. Authorities have yet to release further details about the bomb’s condition or a timeline for resuming normal service.
Travelers are advised to monitor updates from SNCF and Eurostar for the latest developments as the situation unfolds.
Key Points: Unexploded WWII Bomb Disrupts Travel in Paris
- Discovery: An unexploded World War II bomb was found near railway tracks in Paris on March 07, 2025.
- Impact: Eurostar services to London and all trains to northern France from Gare du Nord were suspended.
- Duration: Train operations halted until at least mid-morning, per police request.
- SNCF Response: France’s national rail operator urged travelers to postpone trips.
- Significance of Location: Gare du Nord is a major hub for international travel, Paris’s main airport, and regional commuters.
- Historical Context: WWII bomb remnants are occasionally found in France, but rarely in busy urban areas like Paris.
