Eurostar delay misery after fire caused by thieves halts trains

An investigation was under way today after thieves brought Eurostar trains to a halt by causing a fire in an electricity sub-station near Paris.

At least six trains due to travel between the French capital and London were cancelled today, following a night of misery for thousands of passengers.

A spokesman for SNCF, France’s national railway, blamed an “act of malevolence”.

He said thieves trying to steal electric cables had broken into a secure electricity unit in the northern suburb of St-Denis at around 6.30pm on Tuesday.

A fire broke out, meaning the electricity supply had to be cut.

“Around 15,000 people had to be evacuated from fifteen trains blocked on the rails,” said France’s transport secretary, Alain Vidalies.

Many of those stranded, including passengers from Britain, had to endure hot carriages without air conditioning or water supplies.

Others stood on the side of the track, where temperatures were well above 30C.

Simon Usborne, aboard service ES9051, tweeted: “People queuing to breathe at one open door. Police have arrived. Passengers eyeing up window hammers.”

Eurostar apologised for “infrastructure issues”.

It comes after train crews voted to back strike action, meaning Eurostar services face disruption and cancellations next month at height of the holiday season.

UK crews accuse their French colleagues of taking the best shifts, breaching an eight-year old agreement.

Walkouts could take place during the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Eurostar said: “We are aware of the result from the recent ballot, and will work with RMT and our on board teams to find a solution whilst delivering a reliable service for our customers.”