Tens of thousands of passengers have been stranded or delayed due to Eurostar train breakdowns over the recent wintery weekend. Siz broken down Eurostar trains have resulted in as many as 55,000 travellers experiencing disruption.
Eurostar have reported that although their trains have been reliable for over 15 years the abnormally acute weather conditions in northern France have caused the problems that have been experienced. Eurostar think that they have now identified the cause of the problems and will be testing trains with modifications designed to prevent further issues.
As many as 2000 passengers have been trapped on broken down trains in the Channel tunnel. Some spent up to 16 hours incarcerated in their train beneath the English Channel. Many of the trapped passengers reported receiving no information and no food or water during their incarceration. Some travellers abandoned their stranded trains and attempted to walk through the cold, dark tunnel which extends for 24 miles beneath the channel.
Many passengers are very unhappy with the way that Eurostar have managed the problems although the train operator has issued apologies and offers of compensation and refunds. Some passengers are reported to have suffered from panic attacks and others have experienced the effects of claustrophobia. Many have complained about the lack of information, food, water and support.
Many people, 31,000 on Saturday and a further 27,000 on Sunday, were stranded due to train cancellations.
Continuing bad weather has disrupted flights from many British airports. Weather forecasters have warned of further travel disruption as more snow is forecast this week and into the Christmas holidays. The Scottish Police have advised travelers to stay at home unless their journey is absolutely essential.
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