Channel Tunnel Hit By Fire

A fire on a freight train forced the closure of the Channel Tunnel yesterday, halting all rail traffic, including passenger services, between Britain and Europe.

he train operator said it does not expect services to resume today and advised travellers to make alternative arrangements.

Six people suffered the effects of smoke inhalation and dozens needed to be evacuated.

Huge traffic jams built up on either side of the Channel as police closed roads to divert vehicles away from the tunnel entrances.

At St Pancras Station in London, passengers turned up to board their trains only to be turned away and have to try desperately to make alternative arrangements.

Many jumped at the offer of ferry tickets in exchange for their Eurostar tickets, thousands flooding the ports of Calais and Dover.

The fire, on a lorry on board a freight train travelling from Folkestone to Calais, was detected nearly seven miles from the French entrance.

The two running tunnels - which take freight and passengers between France and England - are separated by a third service tunnel.

Thirty-two people were led to safety through the service tunnel which doubles up as an emergency exit.

Fire crews are still working to extinguish the fire but the situation is said to be under control.

All travellers booked to travel today can exchange their Eurostar tickets for travel at a later date or get a refund.

Travellers booked to travel over the weekend should check Eurostar.com for further updates.

12 September 2008