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Eurostar train left stranded in Folkestone for more than seven hours

By: Max Chesson mchesson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 16:38, 30 November 2023

Updated: 17:21, 30 November 2023

Passengers travelling on a Eurostar train were left stranded at Folkestone for more than seven hours with no electricity, food or working toilets.

The train, which was travelling towards France, became stuck this morning – with customers having been on board since 8am.

Eurostar confirmed the locomotive is finally on its way back to London, adding: “The situation was complicated due to the position of the train and the track infrastructure.”

An overhead cable falling on the train led to the delay, with Eurostar earlier telling customers the train was "being detached from the overhead power lines" but this was "taking longer than expected".

On X, Eurostar said: “We're sorry for the delay today.

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“Due to a lack of power on board, it's not possible for announcements to be made. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

The toilets on the stranded Eurostar train. Pic: Carys Redington

Customers reported they could not flush the toilets and sent photos showing that they are completely blocked.

Carys Redington told KentOnline the toilets felt like an “actual biohazard” and revealed more than 900 people are currently on board.

She said: “We had no information at all for hours, people were crying and having panic attacks – it was horrible.

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A Eurostar train was left stranded at Folkestone for more than seven hours

“The staff couldn’t care less, they were walking past and giving us nothing, telling us to use the toilets even though they are an actual biohazard.

“We were stuck outside the tunnel since 8.40 this morning with no power, no flushing toilets, no water, no food, no fresh air – it has been chaos.”

A Eurostar train was left stranded in Kent for more than seven hours

The train had been meant to go all the way to Amsterdam with those on the train being promised to be moved to a later train once they arrive back in the capital.

Russell Caten tweeted: “Toilets are now full to the brim with human faeces, and overflowing, it’s dark, we can’t go to the toilet, and now food and drinks have ran out.

“Stuck for 7 hours. What a great way to travel!”

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Isobel Kaul’s parents have been on the train since 8am, and said “the lack of communication and support is unacceptable”.

“The train should have been evacuated hours ago,” she added.

Eurostar stock image. Pic: Nathan Gallagher

A Eurostar spokesperson told KentOnline: “An overhead cable has fallen on the 08:16 Eurostar train, between London and Amsterdam, at the entrance of the Channel Tunnel. There are around 700 passengers and crew on board are confirmed to be safe.

“Following a complicated situation due to the position of the train and the track infrastructure, it’s meant that certain safety procedures had to be adhered to before we could move the train.

“The train is currently in the process of being brought back to London.

“All affected passengers on board will be met in London with refreshments and will receive enhanced compensation.

“Eurostar are sorry for issues caused that customers have experienced today.”

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