Eurostar cancels all services with no power in Channel Tunnel

The operator said there is a problem with the overhead power supply.

By contributor George Lithgow and Rosie Shead, Press Association
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Supporting image for story: Eurostar cancels all services with no power in Channel Tunnel
Passengers queue to enter the Eurotunnel site in Folkestone in Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Eurostar has cancelled all of its London to Europe services for the day because of a power failure which has caused the closure of the Channel Tunnel.

The passenger rail operator said there was a problem with the overhead power supply and a failed train in the tunnel.

The company said in a statement: “Due to a problem with the overhead power supply and a subsequent failed LeShuttle train the Channel tunnel is currently closed.

Passengers queue to enter the Eurotunnel site in Folkestone in Kent
The problem has caused long queues (Gareth Fuller/PA)

“Unfortunately, this means we have no choice but to suspend all services today until further notice. Please do not come to the station. We’re very sorry for the impact the situation may have on your travel plans.”

The problem also affected fellow rail operator LeShuttle with its services between Folkestone and Calais suspended.

The tunnel accommodates Eurostar services as well as LeShuttle vehicle-carrying trains between the UK and France.

Eurostar delays
Vehicles queueing to board Le Shuttle at the Channel Tunnel (Dean Pallant/PA)

A Eurostar staff member at St Pancras station in central London told passengers that all trains were cancelled.

“Today, nothing at all,” she added.

Another member of staff was seen handing out water bottles to people waiting by a cordon.