Both sides of the Channel Tunnel were brought to a standstill on Saturday (January 17) after a fire forced the passenger and freight services to shut down.
Smoke was spotted coming from a lorry being transported by operator Eurotunnel. Police have since confirmed a fire to be the cause of the fumes and passengers are advised to expect significant delays.
One woman among scores waiting outside St Pancras Station in London described her fruitless search for accommodation for the night.
“We’ll hopefully get a room somewhere to spend the night. But most hostels I’ve called are fully booked. So, I’m not quite sure what I’m gonna do next,” she said.
The incident is reported to have taken place on the French side of the freight tunnel. Everyone was safely evacuated, with no reported injuries, and trains were ordered to return to their stations of departure.
Eurotunnel has since announced traffic in the south tunnel is due to resume on Saturday evening.
A Tunnel inspection is curr
