Eurostar Faces Major Delays After Cable Theft, Fatalities in France

Eurostar services between London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam have faced severe disruptions due to the theft of approximately 600 meters of copper signaling cable near Lille, France, following two fatalities on the LGV Nord line. The cable theft forced French railway authorities to impose speed restrictions and reroute trains onto conventional lines, causing cancellations, delays of up to 90 minutes, and extended journey times. Passengers experienced chaos at stations such as London St Pancras, with long queues and inadequate seating, prompting Eurostar to offer free ticket exchanges, full refunds, and onboard water supplies. The operator has urged travelers to postpone or cancel their journeys, warning that delays could persist throughout the day despite completed repairs. These incidents highlight ongoing vulnerabilities in the French rail network to sabotage, with previous cable theft and vandalism events causing major disruptions in Europe. Eurostar and French authorities are working closely to manage the situation and safely restore full service.