22/09/2008

Eurostar Resuming Full Service After Fire

Eurotunnel trains departing from St Pancras are expected to be running at full capacity by the end of the week.

Freight trains will run at approximately 90% capacity.

The first of three 10.5mile sections of track in the north tunnel should be reopened today. A second section is to be opened by Wednesday.

Eurostar will increase the number of trains to Paris from 12 a day to 15 from today.

Eurostar spokesman John Keefe said: "The number of people boarding trains and the number of trains running will be almost back to 100% on Eurostar."

He warned there could still be delays as the trains slow down when they divert to the undamaged south tunnel to navigate past the damaged section.

On September 11 a fire broke out on board a freight train travelling in the tunnel, 32 people were led to safety.

See: Further Disruption Expected After Channel Tunnel Blaze

(GK/JM)

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