An unexploded World War Two bomb was defused near Gare du Nord station in Paris on March 7, 2025, leading to the cancellation of all train services at one of Europe’s busiest transport hubs. The 500kg bomb was discovered during construction work and prompted evacuations in the surrounding area, affecting local rail traffic and Eurostar services.
- Unexploded WWII bomb found near Gare du Nord
- Eurostar services cancelled, resuming Saturday
- 200 people evacuated from nearby homes
- Local rail traffic disrupted but resumed
- Passengers struggled to find alternative travel
- Travel disruptions coincided with Paris Fashion Week
The bomb was found two meters deep at a construction site located 200 meters from the busy Paris périphérique, approximately 2.5 kilometers north of Gare du Nord. French police evacuated around 200 residents from homes in Saint-Denis and closed part of the suburb’s main ring road to ensure safety during the defusal operation. The situation was described as “complex” by Eurostar’s Chief Safety and Stations Officer, Simon Lejeune, who emphasized the need for clarity amid the uncertainty.
Eurostar services were completely halted, impacting all 32 scheduled trains between London and Paris. However, local rail traffic resumed in the evening, although disruptions continued. Eurostar announced that services would return to normal on March 8, with two extra return journeys added to accommodate stranded passengers. The bomb’s discovery coincided with Paris Fashion Week, leading to significant travel disruptions for many individuals.
Authorities reported that six schools and a care facility for the elderly were within the evacuation zone but were deemed safe as they did not have windows facing the bomb site. Traffic jams were recorded across 218 kilometers of roads in the Paris region due to the closures. Passengers were advised to check Eurostar’s website for options to change bookings or receive refunds.
The defusal of the bomb allowed for the gradual resumption of train services, but the incident highlighted the ongoing legacy of World War Two in urban areas like Paris. As authorities continue to manage the aftermath, travelers are encouraged to remain patient and informed about their travel options.
