World War 2 Bomb Causes Chaos at Paris

A startling discovery brought chaos to one of Europe’s busiest rail hubs on Friday as an unexploded World War II bomb was unearthed near the tracks of Paris’ Gare du Nord station. The find halted Eurostar services to London and suspended trains heading to northern France, stranding countless passengers and disrupting travel plans across the region.

The relic was spotted around 4 a.m. by workers conducting excavation work in the Seine-Saint-Denis area near the station. France’s national railway operator, SNCF, swiftly halted all rail traffic at the request of local police, who deployed minesweepers to handle the situation. As of midday, the delicate operation to neutralize the bomb was still underway, with no clear timeline for completion.

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot warned that disruptions would persist throughout the day, with only partial service expected to resume by late afternoon. Speaking on Sud Radio, he urged travelers to delay their journeys if possible, while reassuring nearby residents that safety protocols would prevent any risk of detonation. “There’s no need for fear,” Tabarot emphasized, highlighting the expertise involved in bomb disposal.

Gare du Nord, a vital artery for international travel, connects Paris to London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and beyond, alongside serving Charles de Gaulle Airport and numerous regional routes. The sudden shutdown left travelers scrambling, with many gathering at the station as it reopened Friday morning, hoping for updates.

Though France frequently uncovers unexploded ordnance from the world wars, such a find in a densely populated urban center is exceptionally rare. The incident underscores the lingering echoes of history beneath modern infrastructure. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, promising further updates as the minesweepers work to restore normalcy to this critical transport hub.