International
AP Photo
Eurostar said Tuesday that it had canceled all passenger trains routed through the Channel Tunnel that links France and England, after striking ferry workers swarmed the train line setting tires on fire.
The rail company said all trains are returning to their cities of departure and none is stuck in the tunnel, which has been closed for all traffic until further notice.
The move followed a day of chaos in the French port city Calais that began before dawn. The strike by the ferry workers threw the tunnel into disarray, as truckers who diverted to the train line got snarled in traffic and migrants hoping to reach England swarmed the vehicles, trying to sneak on board.
Video filmed near the entrance showed migrants racing to catch a slow-moving truck.
Late Tuesday afternoon, about 50 strikers made it onto the tracks by the freight terminal building, torching tires and closing service in both directions, tunnel operator Eurotunnel said.
The union is protesting feared job cuts. Meanwhile, thousands of migrants are camped in Calais, hoping to make it to a better life in England.
Britain's foreign office updated its travel advice, warning travelers around Calais to keep doors locked against illegal migrants trying to reach Britain.
Eurostar carries about 10 million passengers a year between Britain, France and Belgium through the Channel Tunnel.
The Associated Press
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