Up to 15,000 people have been affected by the cancellation of all Channel Tunnel services after yesterday’s devastating fire.
Although French officials have extinguished the blaze – sparked by a defective brake on a lorry – investigators say it caused extensive damage that could lead to months of disruption.
Six people had to be treated for smoke inhalation after the fire engulfed a freight train travelling down the north-bound tunnel on Thursday afternoon.
The inferno reportedly reached temperatures of 1,000 degrees Celsius, melting tunnel walls and making the incident arguably the most calamitous event of the tunnel’s 14-year history.
Still more worryingly, authorities have now revealed that the faulty lorry was just metres away from another vehicle carrying large quantities of highly flammable carbolic acid.
That revelation has prompted calls for an immediate safety review in the tunnel, even as investigators scramble to carry out a damage assessment of overhead wires and signalling equipment.
Eurostar is refusing to estimate when services will resume, instead advising customers to contact their booking agent for a refund before making alternative arrangements.
