Eurostar train passengers stranded for hours due to power failure

On July 6, 2025, passengers aboard a Eurostar train traveling from Brussels to London experienced a severe disruption due to a power failure. The train, which was scheduled to leave Brussels at 8:52 AM and arrive in London at 9:57 AM, lost power while stationary between Lille and Calais. As a result, passengers found themselves stranded for over nine hours without working toilets or air conditioning, leading to significant discomfort and frustration. Communication from Eurostar was limited, aggravating the situation further for those on board. Passengers took to social media to express their concerns and the chaotic conditions they faced while on the train, including being unable to access fresh air or basic amenities. Eurostar acknowledged the issue and informed passengers that they were working to send a replacement train. In the meantime, some took to entertainment—members of the English folk band Stornoway on board engaged in an impromptu concert to lighten the mood, despite the distressing circumstances. Local authorities and rescue teams eventually arrived on site, providing water and helping passengers evacuate from the train to await the replacement transport to London. Eurostar later issued an apology to those affected and offered compensation options including full cash refunds or a significantly increased voucher value. This incident marked another chapter in a troubling series of recent disruptions for Eurostar, raising ongoing concerns over the company’s management and operational reliability. Just weeks prior, countless passengers experienced canceled journeys due to external factors, including cable theft affecting the high-speed line, leading to further scrutiny of the service. Passengers voiced a mixture of emotions—while some expressed frustration over management failures, others showcased resilience through communal activities like singing. The company now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with its customers, especially after the most recent events raised questions regarding safety and reliability. The measures taken by Eurostar could be crucial in rectifying the damage, but many passengers are left wary of future travels with the service.