A big power problem in the Channel Tunnel stopped many travellers on Tuesday. Eurostar and LeShuttle services stopped working. This caused many trains to be cancelled. Passengers had very long delays. The important tunnel connects the UK and mainland Europe.
The problem started with damage to the electric cables above the trains. A LeShuttle train also stopped on the tracks. This made the situation worse. Many Eurostar trains were cancelled. These trains go between London and Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Many passengers did not know their travel plans.
Some Eurostar passengers waited in their trains for four hours. They were then taken back to London. Drivers using LeShuttle waited for six hours. The delays were very long. Even when some Eurostar trains started again, passengers waited over ten hours.
This problem affected many different travellers. Holiday plans were ruined. Families on vacation were upset. People missed weddings and music performances. They had to pay for hotels. The government said the situation was serious. Repair crews worked hard all night.
Travellers looked for other ways to travel. Flights became very expensive. There were not many seats available. Roads near the tunnel also became very busy. This showed how important the tunnel is.
On Wednesday morning, the tunnel opened again. However, some services were still cancelled. Eurostar warned about more delays. Passengers with cancelled trains on Tuesday could change their booking or get a refund. Passengers affected on Wednesday got a refund and a voucher. The disruption showed how important the tunnel is. It also showed the problems when it does not work.