Eurostar train break downs, caused by the unusually severe winter weather, have resulted in tens of thousands of travelers stranded or delayed. As many as 55,000 travelers have had their journeys disrupted by no less than six train break downs.
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 have identified the flaw that has caused their trains to fail and they are taking steps to fix the issue.
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 had no food, no water and no information from the train operators telling them what was happening. Some travellers abandoned their stranded trains and attempted to walk through the cold, dark tunnel which extends for 24 miles beneath the channel.
Although Eurostar have issued apologies and promised to pay refunds and compensation to travelers affected by the debacle many passengers are very unhappy with the way the situation has been managed. There have been reports of some passengers suffering panic attacks and some experiencing claustrophobia in the confined tunnel. Many passengers have complained about the lack of information from the train operator.
On Saturday as many as 31,000 ticket holders were forced to change their travel plans and on Sunday all services were cancelled resulting in a further 27,000 people being stranded.
Continuing bad weather has disrupted flights from many British airports. Wether forecasters have warned that even more snow is on its way and this will mean further travel disruption as people embark on their Christmas holidays. The Scottish Police have advised travelers to stay at home unless their journey is absolutely essential.
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