The tunnel connecting the UK to mainland Europe was the scene of a large blaze yesterday afternoon.

The fire was reported through a fire alarm in the north part tunnel, approximately 11km from the French entrance to the tunnel indicating a possible fire at around 2.55pm UK time.

Sources say the fire has broken out on a truck loaded on the train carrying a chemical called Phenol (Carbolic) but an ongoing policy investigation has yet to determine the exact cause. Serious damage to the tunnel can be expected.

An Eurotunnel official stated: "It appeared to be accidental - with the source believed to be a truck tire". He also said "that firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and 32 people were aboard a shuttle train transporting trucks when the fire broke out, and all were evacuated safely."

The evacuation happened trough the purpose build "service tunnel", see image right below.

While firefighters are examining the site, traffic has been suspended, resulting in a major travel chaos at both sides of the tunnel.

Of course, with the fire happening exactly on 9/11, the same day, 7 years ago when the World Trade Center was attacked in New York City, people are nervous and speculating.

However, some far it seems that it is an accident with no relation to a terrorist attack.

Even though its safety record is good since opening in 1994, this is its 3rd fire. The tunnel was severely damaged in a major fire on a shuttle train carrying trucks in 1996 and again in late 2006 through a truck fire. The 1996 was the only incident with human casualties and since then several security and accident drills have been done to ensure quick and safe evacuations.

Watch the Eurotunnel video:

www.eurotunnel.com/ukcP3Main/ukcCorporate/ukcTheGroup/ukcProfile/ukpETInPictures.htm

Image source: Eurotunnel