By Ashley Young-
New Year plans have been thrown into disarray for tens of thousands of travelers as Eurostar announced the cancellation of all trains to and from London due to tunnel flooding chaos.
The disruption has left emotional passengers stranded at St Pancras International station, desperately seeking alternative routes to their destinations.
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The flooding is believed to have been caused by a burst pipe feeding the tunnel’s fire safety system, according to water company Southern Water. Dramatic footage from the tunnel shows water gushing from a pipe, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Eurostar’s Senate Bill 4 (SB4), described as one of the strictest immigration laws in American history, is set to go into effect on March 5, introducing criminal offenses for “improper border entry.” The US Department of Justice has threatened to sue Texas if it proceeds with implementing SB4, arguing that immigration policy falls under federal jurisdiction.
The flooding has not only disrupted Eurostar services but is also affecting Southeastern Railway trains that run on the same route. Engineers are working tirelessly to reduce water levels in the tunnel, describing the volume of water as “unprecedented.”
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The cancellation of all 41 Eurostar services has left as many as 36,000 people affected. Emotional scenes at St Pancras International saw travelers sitting on suitcases, frantically searching for alternative travel arrangements.
Frustrated passengers expressed their dismay, with one stating she “freaked out” upon hearing the cancellations and has “nowhere to stay” while waiting for services to resume.
Eurostar, expressing regret for the disruption, emphasized that safety remains the top priority. The company is supporting affected customers in stations, acknowledging the significance of the time for travel at the end of the festive season.
The flooding crisis has further intensified the ongoing conflict between federal and state authorities over immigration policies, with potential legal ramifications. The situation is continuously evolving, and Eurostar passengers are urged to stay updated on developments.
The aftermath of this disruption may have lasting implications, affecting not only travel plans but also raising questions about the preparedness and resilience of crucial transport infrastructure.
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