Ferry News Archive
Lorry fire closes the Channel Tunnel
Date: 21 Aug 2006 00:00 Source: BBC KentThirty-four people had to be led to safety following a fire on a lorry being carried on board a freight train in the Channel Tunnel.
The operator Eurotunnel said it suspended rail services on Monday afternoon after a fire alarm went off.
Lorry drivers were taken off the train in the north-running tunnel. A fire
was put out about 7.5 miles (12km) from Folkestone. No-one was hurt.
Eurostar said passengers were being told to expect "continuing delays".
The incident happened at about 1230 BST.
A spokesman for Eurostar said: "We are advising passengers to avoid travelling today if possible. Tickets can be exchanged for another day."
He added the London to Paris and Brussels service has had access to one tunnel since 1600 BST, but it was a single line with a speed restriction.
Four services have so far been cancelled.
'Clear backlog'
Eurotunnel spokesman John Keefe said: "It was a freight shuttle going
through with about 34 people on board, who have all been evacuated safely."
He added the small fire was extinguished quickly.
"Eurotunnel is conducting checks of the tunnel and its equipment. Once these investigations are completed, Eurotunnel will commence a progressive restart of commercial services."
The company said it was hoped train services through the Channel Tunnel
could be resumed later on Monday.
"Unfortunately with this being a very busy time of year, it's going to take
a few hours to clear the backlog once we've got started again," said Mr
Keefe.
A spokesman from Kent Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Folkestone,
Deal and Ashford were sent to the scene, along with firefighters based at the tunnel, to help with efforts to reach the freight shuttle.
The 30 passengers and four crew were escorted to the service tunnel. "Although smoke has been seen there has apparently been no flames and there have been no casualties," he said.
French fire crews also attended the incident. Traffic using the tunnel has been diverted to Dover.
For more information on alternative sailings, please visit either our Dover Ferry page or our Ferries to France page.
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