Channel Tunnel closed due to smoke from truck fire

Traffic through the Channel Tunnel was halted on Saturday after smoke was detected from a truck fire.

Eurostar, which operates train services through the tunnel between Paris, London and Brussels, said separately on its website that no trains could run on Saturday following the closure.

Kent Police said the smoke was caused by a lorry fire. A spokesman said: “A lorry fire has led to the closure of both bores of the Channel Tunnel.

“The fire was at the French end of the tunnel and is being dealt with by the French authorities. The are no reported injuries.

“However, rail passengers are advised to expect significant delays whilst the vehicle is being recovered and fumes are cleared from the tunnels.”

Eurostar said in a message posted on its website: "We are sorry but we are unable to run any further trains today because Eurotunnel has been closed due to smoke detected in the north tunnel.

“If you were planning to travel today, we advise you to postpone your journey and not to come to the station.”

It said all trains were returning to original stations because the tunnel would be closed until further notice.

France has been on high alert since Islamist militants killed 17 people in three days of violence in Paris that began on Jan. 7 with an attack on the offices of a satirical newspaper.

Agencies