Train services at Gare du Nord, Paris’ busiest railway station, came to a halt after workers discovered an unexploded World War II bomb on the tracks. French authorities quickly responded to the situation, suspending all train movements to ensure public safety.
Bomb Discovered During Routine Maintenance
Railway maintenance workers found the explosive overnight in Saint-Denis, a suburb north of Paris. The French national railway company, SNCF, confirmed that the bomb dated back to World War II. The discovery occurred in the middle of the tracks during routine work, leading to immediate safety measures.
Major Disruptions at a Key Transit Hub
Gare du Nord is a critical transport hub, connecting Paris to major destinations like Brussels, the Netherlands, and Charles de Gaulle Airport. Following the discovery, officials suspended all train traffic, including high-speed TGV and Eurostar services. The station, which serves approximately 700,000 passengers daily, experienced significant disruptions.
Cancellations and Delays for Travelers
Eurostar announced the cancellation of at least three morning departures, affecting passengers traveling to London and Brussels. Authorities urged travelers to delay their trips, as services would remain “strongly disrupted” throughout the day, with only limited resumption in the afternoon.
Authorities Assure Public Safety
The bomb disposal team arrived at the site to neutralize the explosive. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot reassured the public that there was no immediate risk of an explosion. He emphasized that France has strict procedures for safely defusing and removing such bombs, though finding one in a highly populated area is rare.
A Rare Discovery in a Crowded Location
Unexploded bombs from World War I and World War II are still occasionally found across France, usually during construction or maintenance work. However, it is unusual to uncover such devices in a busy transit hub like Gare du Nord.
The discovery, made around 4 a.m., led to the swift mobilization of bomb disposal experts and security forces, ensuring that the area was secured while investigations continued.
