Extreme weather conditions have caused numerous Eurostar train break downs over the weekend, leaving many travellers stranded. Siz broken down Eurostar trains have resulted in as many as 55,000 travellers experiencing disruption.
It has been reported that although the snow shields used to protect train electrics for 15 years had been effective in the past, the unusually acute weather conditions in Northern France had caused severe problems. Eurostar think that they have now identified the cause of the problems and will be testing trains with modifications designed to prevent further issues.
As many as 2000 passengers have been trapped on broken down trains in the Channel tunnel. Some are reported to have spent as much as 16 hours confined in their trains below the English Channel. Many had no food, no water and no information from the train operators telling them what was happening. Some passengers even abandoned their trains and walked through the dark, cold tunnel which runs 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 have complained about the lack of information, food, water and support.
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.
Freezing weather conditions have continued to disrupt travel in all parts of the British Isles with flight cancellations from many 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. Police in Scotland have advised travelers not to travel unless their journey is absolutely essential.
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