Eurotunnel denies responsibility for Eurostar freeze

Eurotunnel, the operator of the Channel Tunnel linking France and Britain, said it was not responsible for passengers being stuck on Eurostar trains for hours after the week's heavy snows, DPA reported.

The operator, in a press release distributed Friday, accused Eurostar and British police to be primarily responsible for delays in the evacuation some 2,500 passengers from the 51-kilometre tunnel following the December 18 breakdown.

Passengers spent up to 16 hours on the five trains which broke down when their electrical systems were damaged by condensation from melting snow.

Eurostar cancelled services for three days, but stressed that passengers had not been endangered.

Eurotunnel said criticism had been "unfair," its staff had acted fast and professionally. Eurostar, which is owned by Britain and the French and Belgian state railways, ignored safety procedures, Eurotunnel said.

Evacuation had been delayed because passengers had taken their luggage, contrary to the safety regulations, Eurotunnel alleged, and also accused British police of insisting on checks and controls.

Eurostar said it would wait for an independent inquiry into the events to clarify responsibilities, that is to be released in late January.