12/09/2008

Further Disruption Expected After Channel Tunnel Blaze

Eurostar passengers have been warned to expect further disruption, as the Channel Tunnel has remained closed following a major blaze on a freight train.

Thousands of travellers were caught up in the commotion when a fire broke out about seven miles from Calais on Thursday. Thirty-two people had to be evacuated and 14 of those suffered minor injuries as a result, while a 30-mile motorway tailback ensued.

It has been reported a UK-bound lorry being carried on a train and carrying the toxic chemical phenol, had overturned, catching fire.

All Eurostar passengers who booked tickets to travel on Friday can exchange them for travel on a later date, or they have been offered a refund, the company has announced.

It was initially reported that no trains would run through it on Friday, however Eurotunnel's Chief Executive Jacques Gounon told RTL Radio "without making any commitment" it would be possible to resume the service "at half-capacity" today.

The Channel Tunnel is a 50.5km undersea rail tunnel linking the United Kingdom with Continental Europe. It runs beneath the English Channel at the Strait of Dover, and connects Folkestone, Kent in England to Coquelles near Calais in Northern France.

About 50 Eurostar services run between London and Europe every day, carrying nearly 38,000 at full capacity.

(JM)

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