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Channel Tunnel services resume after overnight repairs
Eurostar and Le Shuttle operations through the Channel Tunnel restarted Wednesday morning following a full day of cancellations and delays caused by an overhead power failure and a stalled freight train.
Cause of Tuesday's disruption
All rail routes inside the tunnel were blocked Tuesday when a Le Shuttle vehicle-carrying train broke down and an electrical fault knocked out the overhead power supply. Getlink, the tunnel operator, worked through the night to restore both tracks.
Passenger impact and compensation
Thousands of travellers hoping to reach Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam for New Year's Eve were left stranded at London St Pancras International. Social media showed long queues and crowded waiting areas.
Eurostar has apologised and announced "enhanced compensation": a full ticket refund plus a 150 % e-voucher of the original fare. Only three Wednesday morning departures-one each to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam-were cancelled.
"We plan to run all of our services today, however due to knock-on impacts there may still be some delays and possible last-minute cancellations. Customers are advised to check for live updates on the Eurostar website."
Eurostar statement
Ongoing delays and alternative routes
Le Shuttle vehicle services from Folkestone are now running normally, but an hour-long queue remains at Calais. Earlier reports had indicated six-hour waits. Some passengers trapped on board overnight were eventually returned to London.
One traveller, Floriaen Dullaert, bought a €20 bicycle in Brussels, took a train to Dunkirk, and boarded a late-night ferry to Dover after his Amsterdam-London Eurostar was cancelled.
Outlook
Eurostar has added one extra London-Paris service on Wednesday. Passengers are urged to verify departure times before travelling, as residual delays may still occur.
