Extreme weather conditions have caused numerous Eurostar train break downs over the weekend, leaving many travellers stranded. Six train break downs have resulted in 55,000 travellers having their journeys disrupted.
Eurostar have reported that the problems have been caused by snow getting into the electrical systems, caused by the abnormally acute weather conditions in norther France. Eurostar say that they have identified the technical issue and that they are now taking steps to remedy the issue.
As many as 2000 passengers found themselves trapped in the Channel Tunnel on broken down trains. Some spent up to 16 hours incarcerated in their train beneath the English Channel. Many have reported a lack of information and no food and no water on the stranded trains. Some travellers abandoned their stranded trains and attempted to walk through the cold, dark tunnel which extends 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. Some passengers are reported to have suffered from panic attacks and other from the effects of claustrophobia. Many passengers have complained about the lack of information from the train operator.
Many people, 31,000 on Saturday and a further 27,000 on Sunday, were stranded due to train cancellations.
Continuing bad weather has disrupted flights from many British 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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