Train carrying European Parliament lawmakers to Brussels evacuated after 'explosion'

By Selen Valente Rasquinho

BRUSSELS (AA) - A Eurostar train carrying members of the European Parliament from Strasbourg back to Brussels was evacuated Thursday after an explosion that was caused by a technical problem which has been reportedly solved.

The chartered Strasbourg-Brussels train carrying MEPs to attend the European Parliament was evacuated because of a small explosion shortly after it departed, according to Eurostar.

Firefighters were reportedly deployed to the scene while the MEPs were transferred to Paris.

Media reports, citing authorities, said passengers, including European Parliament officials, were evacuated from the train station because of the presence of "light smoke" coming out from the train.

The MEPs were in Strasbourg to attend European Parliament sessions that started Oct. 7.