Paris' Gare du Nord train station experienced significant disruptions Friday after an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered. Maintenance workers made the discovery in the railway yard, sparking an immediate response from French authorities.
Chaos at Gare du Nord
The discovery of the bomb brought operations at the major transportation hub to a standstill. Police quickly arrived at the scene to begin the process of neutralizing the device. Authorities announced that train services would be suspended at least until the evening, causing widespread travel chaos.
“The safety of our passengers and staff is our top priority,” a spokesperson for the train station stated. “We are working closely with the police to ensure the safe removal of the unexploded ordnance.”
Eurostar Services Cancelled
One of the most immediate consequences of the bomb discovery was the cancellation of Eurostar trains, which regularly run between Paris and London. Passengers planning to travel between the two capitals faced significant delays and were advised to seek alternative transportation options. 
“We understand the frustration and inconvenience this is causing our passengers,” a Eurostar representative said. “We are doing everything we can to minimize the disruption and get services back up and running as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Echoes of the Past
The discovery serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of World War II. Unexploded bombs continue to be unearthed across Europe, posing a threat to public safety decades after the conflict ended.
While the focus remained on safely neutralizing the immediate threat, authorities also launched an investigation to determine the origin of the bomb and whether there were any other potential explosives in the vicinity. 
The incident comes as the City of Paris is also facing scrutiny related to a past explosion on Rue de Trévise. Judges have noted “errors of imprudence and negligence” on the part of the City of Paris in that case, adding to the pressure on city officials to ensure public safety.
As of this writing, police are still working to safely remove the bomb and restore normal operations at Gare du Nord. Travelers are advised to check with their train operators for the latest updates and potential delays.