On Thursday afternoon, a Thalys train transporting European Parliament employees from Strasbourg to Brussels encountered a serious issue, resulting in a chaotic evacuation and significant delays across the regional railway network.
The incident occurred around 3:00 PM, when an explosion on the specially designated train prompted immediate action from railway authorities and emergency services.
Passengers were instructed to evacuate the train as smoke billowed from the affected carriage. Firefighters swiftly arrived on the scene to manage the situation, ensuring the safety of all passengers.
The train, which was set to depart at 3:00 PM, was finally cleared for departure at 4:00 PM, after the situation was brought under control.
Despite the resolution, the incident had widespread implications for rail traffic in the region. The regional railway operator, TER, reported on social media that traffic was disrupted both on departure and arrival in Strasbourg due to the smoke emanating from the train.
“Disruption is expected to end at around 6:00 PM,” the operator stated, highlighting the ripple effects of the incident on the overall railway network.
Parliamentary assistant Pelle Geertsen, representing The Left party, recounted the events of the evacuation, describing it as “chaotic” and noting the presence of “plenty of firefighters” at the train station in Strasbourg.
Geertsen’s account underscores the urgency and confusion that often accompanies such emergency situations, particularly in the bustling environment of a major train station.
Emmanuel Foulon, a press officer for the Renew group, also detailed the scene at Strasbourg station, describing it as “paralysed” during the emergency.
Passengers were instructed to “take refuge” in the tunnel to avoid the smoke and maintain safety. This incident not only disrupted the return journey of the parliament employees but also raised concerns about the safety protocols in place for such transport.
While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, the European Parliament employees’ experience serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with rail travel, particularly for those commuting regularly between Strasbourg and Brussels.
The incident also highlights the need for ongoing assessments of safety measures on high-speed trains, especially those designated for official transport.
As the situation unfolded, many passengers expressed their frustration over the unexpected delays and the chaotic circumstances.
However, the quick response from emergency services and the railway operator ensured that the incident was managed effectively, allowing the train to resume its journey after an hour’s delay.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the explosion and to implement any necessary safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
For now, the European Parliament employees were able to continue their journey back to Brussels, albeit later than planned, after what can only be described as an unsettling afternoon.
