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FLASH | Eurostar and Eurotunnel Shut Down Leaving Thousands Stranded on Motorway

Eurostar and Eurotunnel services through the Channel Tunnel have been suspended because of a power fault, the UK Independent reports.

No trains are stuck under water, but the blockage has left passengers in London and Paris stranded while they wait for it to be resolved.

Romain Dufour of Eurotunnel, which operates the tunnel, said technicians are examining what caused the electrical outage and are working to fix the issue.

Eurotunnel have said on their website they do expect services to resume before 6pm today.

The website also reads: “Our passenger service is temporarily suspended due to a technical fault in the Tunnel, which in the process of being resolved.

“We regret that we are currently unable to sell tickets to non-reserved customers

“This information will be updated as soon as the service resumes.”

John Keefe, director of public affairs for Eurotunnel, said: “The power failure is on the UK end of the tunnel and is affecting both tunnels.

“We have technicians underground evaluating the damage and how long the repairs will take. We have had to suspend all services in both direction.

“Affected passenger are being offered a reciprocal service, which will allow them to get to a port and get across without too much delay.

“We also have contracts with trucks and haulage ferries. Those in the area can look at the travel information and as they also have contracts with ferries will be able to arrange to go across.

“We will be updating all passengers via social media.

“I think people should be aware that this is a technical problem and we have technicians down there trying to solve the issue as quickly as possible. We again apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

There are disgruntled customers both sides of the tunnel, with one Twitter user asking the official tunnel Twitter account if they will be provided with food and water.

Anne Bovelett said: “When will you be bringing some drinks and food? We’ve been stuck here since 15:00! #calais #Eurotunnel”

Just 42 minutes ago the French side of the tunnel’s official Twitter account said: “Due to a Tunnel power supply problem our service is temporarily suspended. Technicians are on site to rectify the problems swiftly 1/2 ^LD.

“We estimate that the service will not resume before 17:00. We’re offering customers transfer to a ferry; pls check-in to arrange this. ^LD”

Eurotunnel ‘LeShuttle’ is currently offering customers transfers to a ferry. They tweeted: “We estimate that the service will not resume before 17:00. We’re offering customers transfer to a ferry; pls check-in to arrange this. ^LD”

The tunnel closure has caused major delays for motorists on the M20.

Currently there slow moving traffic on the M20 between junction 11a, the Channel Tunnel and junction 13 (A20), Folkstone, as drivers divert towards the ports.

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Copyright 2015 SIGNAL. Permission to use portions of this article is granted provided appropriate credits are given to www.signalng.com and other relevant sources.

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