Fears are mounting that Moscow may be behind a 'massive arson attack' which has brought chaos to France's rail network ahead of the Olympics opening ceremony. The Eurostar is advising passengers not to travel today.
Is YOUR journey affected? Email [email protected]. Paris Olympics 2024 LIVE: Chaos as arson attack hits Paris rail networkA 'massive arson attack' which brought mayhem to France 's rail network just hours before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games has grounded 25 per cent of Eurostar trains until at least Monday.
The majority of Team GB athletes are also taking the Eurostar to the Olympics, although only two athletes were scheduled to arrive in Paris today. Support staff and stakeholders are also travelling to Paris from St Pancras for the Games. DOVER: Holidaymakers wait to board ferries at the Kent port as the busy summer travel period gets underwayDOVER: Long tailbacks are seen as 3.2million drivers hit the roads on Frantic Friday
It won't cover the cost of alternative transport by rail, coach or ferry if passengers were informed of their options within 100 minutes of their schedules departure, if they did not wait for the next available Eurostar train or if they refunded their unused ticket. The spokeswoman added: 'Irrespective of this disruption, it is very clear that both in France, here and around the world, everyone is hugely excited and looking forward to what will be an incredibly successful Olympic Games, and we won't let disruption overshadow that.'
In a statement, Eurostar said: 'Due to co-ordinated malicious acts in France affecting the high-speed line between Paris and Lille, all high-speed trains going to and coming from Paris are being diverted via the classic line today, Friday July 26. This extends the journey time up to an hour and a half.
In an update to the earlier statement, the rail operator said: 'We encourage our customers to postpone their trip if possible.
The 36-year-old was due to travel to Paris for the start of the Games - but found her Eurostar train had been axed.Luckily, relieved Harriet managed to bag a seat on a train to Lille after some hours of stress. Harriet is losing money on the hotel she booked for tonight in Paris, but luckily, most of her other expenses will be refunded.
Discussing the people who targeted France's rail network in a arson attack, Mr Nodwuell added: 'Unfortunately, they've got what they wanted. They've caused chaos.'Aaron and Harriet Patience-Davies, 46 and 43, are worried that their family holiday to Poitiers may be in danger. Aaron and Harriet are meant to be getting a train to Poitiers once they are in Paris but are worried that they will miss their connection.
'That means we have to get to the other side of Paris, and now we'll be having to do that in the dark. However, passengers anxious to absorb the atmosphere in Paris during the opening ceremony said they were disappointed their time in the city would be cut short because of the delays. In Britain, the RAC has warned of delays all week after schools broke up for the summer holidays and they have dubbed today as 'Frantic Friday' with an estimated 3.2million cars set to his the road.
The officials in high-visibility waist coats are in position in anticipation for long queues which often form on the busiest travel days.Rail and Tube passengers are also facing travel chaos today, with severe delays on the Bakerloo Line and minor delays on the Central and Elizabeth lines. The London Overground is partly closed between Hackney Downs and Chingford this weekend.
A further 4million getaways are planned at some point between Friday and Sunday, meaning a total of 13.8million trips could be made throughout the course of the weekend. Read More UK tourists face further travel woe as dozens more flights are cancelled after Crowdstrike IT outage RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: 'Anyone heading off on holiday on Saturday or Sunday should expect a weekend of woe on the roads with journeys taking far longer than normal.
Britons heading to holiday destinations by train also face disruption on certain routes over the coming week due to engineering works.
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