Channel Tunnel rail link suspended

(FILES) An Eurostar train emerges from the Eurotunnel, 13 July 2006 in Coquelles, northern France.

LONDON, Dec 19, (AFP) -The Channel Tunnel link between Britain and mainland Europe was suspended Saturday due to three broken-down trains blocking both lines, with passengers being evacuated, operators Eurotunnel told AFP.

“Currently the tunnels are closed,” a spokesman said, calling the situation “unprecedented”.

A total of around 1,200 to 1,300 passengers from two of the trains in one tunnel were to be evacuated on an empty vehicle shuttle being sent to collect them from the other tunnel, the spokesman said.