Eurostar has encountered significant operational setbacks due to cable theft, impacting its services for the second day in a row and raising concerns over security in European rail systems.
Eurostar Faces Major Disruptions Following Cable Theft Incident
Eurostar Faces Major Disruptions Following Cable Theft Incident
Passengers advised to delay travel as train services between the UK and Europe are significantly disrupted.
June 25, 2025, 9:07 a.m. ET – Eurostar, the high-speed train operator connecting Britain and continental Europe, is grappling with extensive disruptions for a second consecutive day. The situation arises following the theft of critical cables and a tragic incident where two individuals were struck by a train near Lille, France.
Travelers faced delayed departures and unexpected cancellations on Wednesday due to this “cable theft” incident reported near the northern French station. Eurostar has advised passengers to consider rescheduling or postponing their journeys. The chaos began the day before, when Eurostar cancelled several routes after the fatalities occurred on its high-speed line linking Lille and Paris.
This series of events occurs amid rising apprehensions regarding sabotage activities in Europe, as the region has seen various substantial disruptions from vandalism and cable thefts. Just last month, over 10,000 travelers in Spain experienced delays due to cable theft, while a coordinated act of arson in France damaged cables crucial to high-speed rail operations just before the Paris Olympics.
Experts highlight that the sprawling nature of the French rail system makes it particularly susceptible to such acts of sabotage. Despite the disruptions, no official explanation has been provided regarding the motive behind the recent cable thefts.
Aurelien Breeden contributed to this report. Amelia Nierenberg serves as a breaking news journalist for The Times in London, focusing on international developments.
Travelers faced delayed departures and unexpected cancellations on Wednesday due to this “cable theft” incident reported near the northern French station. Eurostar has advised passengers to consider rescheduling or postponing their journeys. The chaos began the day before, when Eurostar cancelled several routes after the fatalities occurred on its high-speed line linking Lille and Paris.
This series of events occurs amid rising apprehensions regarding sabotage activities in Europe, as the region has seen various substantial disruptions from vandalism and cable thefts. Just last month, over 10,000 travelers in Spain experienced delays due to cable theft, while a coordinated act of arson in France damaged cables crucial to high-speed rail operations just before the Paris Olympics.
Experts highlight that the sprawling nature of the French rail system makes it particularly susceptible to such acts of sabotage. Despite the disruptions, no official explanation has been provided regarding the motive behind the recent cable thefts.
Aurelien Breeden contributed to this report. Amelia Nierenberg serves as a breaking news journalist for The Times in London, focusing on international developments.
