LONDON

Thousands of Eurostar passengers are facing significant disruptions on Friday after an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered near train tracks in Paris, halting all services between London and the French capital.

The bomb was found early Friday morning by workers who were moving earth near the tracks in the Saint-Denis area, located north of central Paris.

Eurostar immediately cancelled 10 services and announced that all trains from Paris to London will be suspended until the rest of the day.

Pictures from Paris’ Gare du Nord station show large crowds of stranded passengers, with many waiting for alternative transport options. Eurostar issued a statement advising passengers to change their travel dates due to the ongoing disruption.

“Due to an object on the tracks near Paris Gare du Nord, we are expecting disruption to our services this morning. Please change your journey for a different date of travel,” Eurostar said in the statement.

The French transport minister, Philippe Tabarot, acknowledged the widespread disruption, warning that travel would remain “strongly disrupted” throughout the day.

However, he assured the public that bomb disposal experts were on site, and the situation would be managed safely. “Only limited services will resume in the afternoon,” he confirmed.

While such bomb discoveries are not uncommon in France, particularly in the aftermath of the two World Wars, the finding near a densely populated area like Saint-Denis is rare.

Tabarot reassured locals and travelers near the stations that there was no immediate risk of an explosion, as bomb disposal procedures were already in place.

Eurostar and French authorities continue to monitor the situation, with updates expected as the bomb disposal operation unfolds.

Passengers traveling between London and Paris are being urged to check with Eurostar for the latest service updates and consider altering their travel plans accordingly.