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WWII bomb safely defused near Paris train station, sparking major disruptions

Saturday 08 - 11:44 By: Dakir Madiha

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An unexploded World War II bomb was discovered near Paris’ Gare du Nord station, causing significant travel disruptions. The bomb, weighing approximately 500 kilograms, was uncovered at a construction site about 2.5 kilometers north of the station, where workers were building a new railway bridge.

Authorities acted swiftly, leading to the evacuation of 200 residents from nearby homes in the suburb of Saint-Denis. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed that all Eurostar trains were cancelled for the day to ensure passenger safety, with rail traffic expected to normalize by 17:00 GMT and regular services resuming on Saturday.

The police also implemented safety measures, temporarily closing parts of the local ring road and the A1 motorway. Despite the proximity of schools and a care facility, officials assured the public that there was no immediate danger, as the structures were not facing the site of the bomb's discovery.

Eurostar, which operates train services between London and Paris, cancelled all 32 of its scheduled services as a precaution. The company stated that this decision was made to prevent confusion among passengers. In light of the situation, Eurostar has provided customers with options to change bookings, receive refunds, or obtain vouchers. Additionally, two extra trains are planned for Saturday: one departing from London in the morning and another from Paris in the afternoon.

The presence of unexploded devices in the region is a lingering legacy of World War II, as rail yards around Paris were frequently targeted during the conflict.