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Tunnel train services to resume Tunnel train services to resume
(9 minutes later)
The first train to run through the Channel Tunnel since its closure following a fire is scheduled to make a journey early on Saturday.The first train to run through the Channel Tunnel since its closure following a fire is scheduled to make a journey early on Saturday.
The freight train is due to leave Dollands Moor marshalling yard near Folkestone, at 0008 BST. The freight train was due to leave Dollands Moor marshalling yard near Folkestone, at 0008 BST.
Eurotunnel has said passenger services are expected to resume at about 0600 BST on Saturday.Eurotunnel has said passenger services are expected to resume at about 0600 BST on Saturday.
Batches of four trains an hour will begin running in alternate directions through the undamaged south tunnel.Batches of four trains an hour will begin running in alternate directions through the undamaged south tunnel.
Eurotunnel also revealed it had run two test trains through the south tunnel from Calais to Folkestone on Friday and was due to run two more in the opposite direction.Eurotunnel also revealed it had run two test trains through the south tunnel from Calais to Folkestone on Friday and was due to run two more in the opposite direction.
Eurotunnel said shuttle and Eurostar trains would both operate a limited service on Saturday.Eurotunnel said shuttle and Eurostar trains would both operate a limited service on Saturday.
A spokesman said: "Once we're happy that it's completely safe we'll be making a decision about whether to resume commercial services.A spokesman said: "Once we're happy that it's completely safe we'll be making a decision about whether to resume commercial services.
"We will start with freight and then we'll resume passenger trains after this.""We will start with freight and then we'll resume passenger trains after this."
Speaking on French television, Eurotunnel chief executive Jacques Gounon said inspections of the tunnel were "now completed".Speaking on French television, Eurotunnel chief executive Jacques Gounon said inspections of the tunnel were "now completed".
He said: "[Freight] traffic will resume tonight - that is certain.He said: "[Freight] traffic will resume tonight - that is certain.
See layout of Channel Tunnel See layout of Channel Tunnel
"Installations in the south tunnel, which was not touched by fire, are in excellent condition.""Installations in the south tunnel, which was not touched by fire, are in excellent condition."
The tunnel was closed after fire broke out on a freight train about seven miles from Calais on Thursday. The 16-hour blaze was put out on Friday morning.The tunnel was closed after fire broke out on a freight train about seven miles from Calais on Thursday. The 16-hour blaze was put out on Friday morning.
Thirty-two people on board were led to safety when the fire broke out. Fourteen had suffered minor injuries, including smoke inhalation.Thirty-two people on board were led to safety when the fire broke out. Fourteen had suffered minor injuries, including smoke inhalation.
The tunnel carries Eurostar express trains between London, Paris and Brussels, as well as freight and passenger shuttles between Folkestone and Calais.The tunnel carries Eurostar express trains between London, Paris and Brussels, as well as freight and passenger shuttles between Folkestone and Calais.
Transport chaosTransport chaos
The source of the blaze has not yet been identified but French officials say a lorry carrying chemicals, which is understood to have overturned on the freight train, was close to the seat of the fire.The source of the blaze has not yet been identified but French officials say a lorry carrying chemicals, which is understood to have overturned on the freight train, was close to the seat of the fire.
It was carrying the chemical phenol, a toxic product used by the pharmaceutical industry.It was carrying the chemical phenol, a toxic product used by the pharmaceutical industry.
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French firefighters working inside the Channel TunnelFrench firefighters working inside the Channel Tunnel
The closure caused tailbacks on roads near the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone as dozens of lorries were forced to park on the M20 and other surrounding roads.The closure caused tailbacks on roads near the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone as dozens of lorries were forced to park on the M20 and other surrounding roads.
Kent Police say that the arrangements are still in force, and that the M20 is still closed between junctions eight and nine.Kent Police say that the arrangements are still in force, and that the M20 is still closed between junctions eight and nine.
The Channel Tunnel has suffered several incidents since it opened to traffic in 1994 although only one - a fire in 1996 - caused serious injuries.The Channel Tunnel has suffered several incidents since it opened to traffic in 1994 although only one - a fire in 1996 - caused serious injuries.
In August 2006, 34 people had to be led to safety after a fire broke out on a lorry being carried on a freight train.In August 2006, 34 people had to be led to safety after a fire broke out on a lorry being carried on a freight train.
The fire caused £200m worth of damage and burned for more than five hours, wrecking the concrete lining and facilities over about half a mile of tunnel.The fire caused £200m worth of damage and burned for more than five hours, wrecking the concrete lining and facilities over about half a mile of tunnel.
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