Dangerous World War II-era object found in crowded residential area

A half-ton World War II-era bomb found near train tracks in a crowded residential area just outside of Paris caused chaos across the region on Friday, leading to disruptions at Europe’s busiest rail station and closures of major roads leading into the French capital.

The unexploded bomb was discovered overnight by workers conducting earthmoving activity near the tracks in the Seine-Saint-Denis area north of Paris, according to French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot. Bomb disposal experts were called to the scene, locals were evacuated, and a significant security perimeter was set up around the operation.

“We’re delighted and relieved that all this has come to an end,” Tabarot later said.

Eurostar, the operator of high-speed trains through the Channel Tunnel connecting England with the European continent, announced the cancellation of all its services to and from its Paris hub at Gare du Nord, as well as to the U.K. and Belgian capitals.

“An unexploded bomb from the Second World War was discovered in this area,” French national rail operator SNCF wrote on X. “Traffic will not resume until mid-afternoon, after formal authorization from the authorities.”

Paris police also declared the closure of the A1 highway and sections of the capital’s typically busy ring road around the city.

At the usually bustling Gare du Nord station in Paris, commuters were greeted by bright red signs warning of disruptions. SNCF reported that the station accommodates 700,000 travelers per day, making it the busiest rail hub in Europe.

Tabarot stated that almost 500 trains were canceled, affecting around 600,000 people at the Gare du Nord. Images captured stranded travelers at both Gare du Nord and the St. Pancras International train station in London.

“Due to an object on the tracks near Paris Gare du Nord, we are expecting disruption to our services this morning. Please change your journey for a different date of travel,” Eurostar advised on X.

The discovery of the unexploded bomb caused significant travel disruptions and inconvenience for thousands of people, highlighting the enduring impact of World War II on modern-day Europe.