Before the 2024 Olympic Games, cross-country railways experienced arson attacks, forcing Eurostar to cancel scheduled trips.
People Doing Bad Things
Ahead of one of the largest sporting events in history, a group of people saw it as the ideal opportunity to cause chaos. France faced arson on busy cross-country railways, disrupting the journey of travellers and athletes before the Olympic opening.
Cancelled Trips
Excited travellers heading to France for the Olympic Games had to cancel their trip. According to BBC News, London St Pancras has informed the public to cancel their trip.
The Prime Minister Also Cancelled
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was one of many who cancelled his original travel route to France for the opening event of the Olympics. Instead, he had to go by air rather than take the railway route.
Leader Reception
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a leadership reception, and the UK prime minister made his way to attend the event on Friday. The leadership reception was held before the opening ceremony.
Damaged Train Lines
The arson attack has caused damage to the rail lines, and trains moving along certain lines would have to travel at a slower pace than usual.
Diverting Trains
High-speed train routes through Lille and Paris will effectively be diverted, according to Eurostar.
It Could Carry on Through the Weekend
Eurostar predicted the disruption could continue until after the weekend before travel proceeds to normal.
An Act of Malice
French transport minister Patrice Vergriete told BBC News that “it was co-ordinated malicious acts.”
Organised Chaos
On Friday, it was discovered the attacks were strategically planned and hit three railway points. Lines moving via UK, Belgium, and France were affected. According to BBC, Eurostar cancelled one in four scheduled trains.
Not Deterred by the Delay
BBC News interviewed some travellers making their way to Paris and asked if the delay in their schedule would ruin the excitement. The couple responded no, saying they were prepared to “wait for however long” and “just want to get to Paris.”
Daughter Playing on Team GB Rugby
The couple interviewed at London St Pancras, looking to make their journey to Paris, are parents of Team GB Rugby member Ellie Boatman.
What Other Passengers Said
37-year-old Kate Fisher said that she and her mates had planned the trip long ago, and in the back of their minds, they knew the timing was bad because of the games. Still, they kept delays in mind, and the delay they face now is just one of those.
Brushed It Off
Fisher said, “When I saw the delay on the departure board, I was like, ‘Whatever,’ as long as we’re there,” she told the news outlet.
Taking It in Her Stride
Kate Heath wanted to go by plane to Paris but struggled to get a flight, and she worried about missing the opening. Little did she know she would miss it anyway. She told BBC she “just takes it in her stride.”
Sporting Events May Be Missed
Some people like Ian Ralph could miss sporting events altogether because of the delay in travel. Ralph had tickets for games taking place over the weekend, and he told BBC News that he felt “stressed and panicked.”
British Athletes to Travel
The British Olympic Association confirmed just two athletes were in events starting Friday. Furthermore, most British athletes participating were using Eurostar for their main means of travel from the UK to France.
So Many People in One Place
Some media photos showcase crowds of people waiting at London St Pancras for their next Eurostar train. Queues of people waited as trains to departure were leaving.
Travellers Will Still Leave for Paris
The chief commercial officer for Eurostar, Francios Le Doze told BBC that passengers would still be able to leave bearing something like an hour delay in mind.
Keeping in Touch
UK’s Department of Transport is said to be in constant contact with Eurostar train service and the French authorities regarding the delays for UK travellers looking to leave London for Paris.
Waiting Patiently
All passengers can do now is wait until their next available train to Paris.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alexandros Michailidis.