As per reports, a train carrying Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and their assistants from Strasbourg to Brussels experienced an emergency evacuation due to an explosion and the appearance of light smoke in the afternoon hours on Thursday (10 October).

• The incident occurred at approximately 1445 hours (local time) on Thursday (10 October), prompting the evacuation of passengers, including European Parliament officials, at Strasbourg train station. Around 20 firefighters were deployed by the local authorities, to assess the situation and ensure passenger safety.
• The cause of the smoke remains undetermined, and there have been no reports of injuries. France’s national railway service, SNCF, confirmed that train traffic along the eastern line would be disrupted until the evening. Regional train services to and from Strasbourg were suspended, and efforts were underway to organize alternative means of transport for the affected passengers. Train services restarted around 1800 hours (local time) on Thursday (10 October).
• The European Parliament has stated that it is in close communication with the relevant authorities as they work to resolve the situation. Although Parliament did not disclose the exact number of MEPs affected, it confirmed that all travellers were duly informed. The incident occurred as MEPs were returning from the plenary session in Strasbourg, which ran from Monday (07 October) to Thursday (10 October).