Unexploded WWII Bomb Disrupts Transportation at Gare du Nord in Paris

An unexploded bomb from World War II was found near the tracks leading to Gare du Nord, leading to extensive train disruptions, including Eurostar services, affecting numerous travelers.

Trains experienced major disruptions at one of France's busiest railway stations, Gare du Nord, on Friday, following the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb in the Saint-Denis suburb just north of Paris. The bomb was unearthed overnight, prompting authorities to halt train services that connect northern France and Europe.

The Paris police dispatched mine-sweeping teams to the site, leading to significant traffic delays on both high-speed and commuter railways. Eurostar services, which link France to the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, were also impacted, leaving many travelers stranded at the station, which catered to over 226 million passengers in 2023.

France's national railway company announced via a travel notice that all train operations in and out of Gare du Nord would remain suspended until at least mid-afternoon at the request of law enforcement. The exact type of bomb and the details surrounding its discovery remain unclear.

Philippe Tabarot, the French transportation minister, reassured the public during a segment with Sud Radio that there was “no cause for concern” about the bomb and reiterated that officials were taking all necessary precautions to ensure its safe removal. While abandoned luggage recoveries occur with some frequency, he noted that the discovery of WWII ordnance within densely populated areas is a rare occurrence.

In Europe, it is not unusual for construction workers to encounter unexploded munitions left over from the tumultuous conflicts of the 20th century, but finding one so close to a bustling urban center is more exceptional. Recent incidents, such as last month’s revelation of over 175 training bombs hidden beneath a children’s playground in the UK and the evacuation of thousands of residents in Berlin due to a significant WWII bomb discovery in 2018, highlight the ongoing challenges of dealing with such relics of the past.