World War II-era bomb discovered on railway tracks in Paris

A World War II-era bomb discovered on railway tracks near Paris’ Gare du Nord caused a major disruption in train services on Friday, affecting thousands of passengers. The unexploded device was found overnight during routine maintenance work in the Saint-Denis suburb, prompting an immediate shutdown of all traffic to and from France’s busiest train station.

Authorities swiftly deployed bomb disposal experts to assess and neutralize the device, prioritizing public safety. The discovery led to the suspension of all Eurostar, high-speed, and local train services, leaving passengers stranded and forcing railway operators to scramble for alternative arrangements.

Major Transport Disruption After World War II-Era Bomb Found

With Gare du Nord handling approximately 700,000 passengers daily, the closure caused significant delays and cancellations. Eurostar services between London and Paris were particularly affected, with early morning departures halted and midday schedules thrown into disarray. The company issued an advisory urging travelers to reschedule their journeys at no additional cost.

According to transport officials, the bomb’s unexpected discovery was a stark reminder of wartime remnants still buried beneath modern infrastructure. While rare, such finds occasionally disrupt public works and require immediate intervention to prevent potential hazards.

Authorities Work to Restore Services

As police and explosive experts worked to secure the site, passengers faced long waits and confusion. Eurostar’s official website confirmed that all London-bound departures before 10:30 GMT were canceled, along with Paris-bound routes before 11:00 GMT. Updates on service resumption were expected once the bomb was safely removed.

French transport authorities assured the public that safety measures were being taken to minimize risk and restore normal operations as soon as possible. Passengers were advised to check real-time updates before heading to the station.

Ongoing Security Concerns

This incident highlights the lasting impact of World War II, with unexploded ordnance still surfacing across Europe. Authorities continue to monitor and safely dispose of such devices when discovered, but their presence can cause serious disruptions to daily life.

As bomb disposal teams worked through the morning, travelers anxiously awaited news on when normal train services would resume. The situation served as a stark reminder that history sometimes resurfaces in the most unexpected ways.