A massive unexploded bomb from World War II halted Eurostar to London and disrupted all rail traffic to northern France on Friday. Workers found the explosive at 4 a.m. near the railway tracks in Saint-Denis, prompting an immediate security lockdown at Gare du Nord.
Paris police secured the area while bomb disposal experts from the city’s demining unit assessed the situation. Authorities described the device as a serious threat, suspending all suburban regional and international trains departing from the station.
After the Paris WWII bomb discovery, an SNCF spokesperson described the unexploded ordnance as massive, forcing a complete shutdown of rail services by 9 a.m. One of Europe’s busiest transit hubs, the station connects Paris to London, northern France, and Charles de Gaulle Airport.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed the widespread disruptions and warned travelers that service would remain heavily impacted throughout the day. He expressed confidence that a limited number of trains could operate by the afternoon but advised passengers to expect delays.
Demining specialists continued their delicate work at the site, carefully evaluating the bomb’s stability before attempting removal or controlled detonation. The police had requested the complete suspension of train traffic until mid-morning to ensure public safety.
Speaking to Sud Radio, Tabarot reassures the public that bomb discoveries of this nature remain rare but require immediate action. Thousands of travelers faced significant delays, with many stranded at Gare du Nord awaiting further updates.
SNCF officials recommended passengers seek alternative transportation and monitor announcements for service resumption; by midday, authorities aimed to establish a reduced train service, though complete normalcy remained uncertain. The Paris WWII bomb discovery serves as a stark reminder of the lingering impact of wartime relics on modern infrastructure.
