Lorry Fire Halts Traffic in Channel Tunnel

Traffic was suspended in both directions in the Channel Tunnel between Britain and France on Saturday after a lorry fire, authorities said.

"Due to an incident in the tunnel, all departures are currently suspended in both directions," Eurotunnel said.

The Eurostar passenger train service said on its website that all services had been canceled for the day.

"We are sorry but we are unable to run any further trains today because Eurotunnel has been closed due to smoke detected in the north tunnel," the firm said on its website.

"If you were planning to travel today, we advise you to postpone your journey and not to come to the station," Eurostar added.

All trains already en route were forced to turn back to their stations of origin.

Police in southern England said the fire was "at the French end of the tunnel and is being dealt with by the French authorities."

"There are no reported injuries," added police.