Passengers stranded after French station struck by lightningBy the CNN Wire Staff
July 3, 2010 -- Updated 1550 GMT (2350 HKT)
The closure of Austerlitz station will affect 40,000 travelers, a French National Railway official said.STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Lightening strikes electrical facility in Bretigny-sur-Orge, outside Paris
Forces closure of Austerlitz station in capital
The station is used by trains leaving for southern France and Spain
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Paris, France (CNN) -- Thousands of travelers in France were stranded Saturday after lightning shut down a main train station outside the capital, the first day of the summer holiday for students.
Lightening struck an electrical facility in Bretigny-sur-Orge, on the outskirts of Paris, forcing the closure of the Austerlitz station and affecting 40,000 travelers, a French National Railway official told CNN.
"We think by this evening we will know if the station will be operational," said Sebastine Barbe.
Railway officials warned of delays and encouraged passengers to postpone their trips.
The station is used by trains leaving for southern France and Spain as well as commuter service to other parts of Paris.
A statement from the national railway said trains were being diverted until repairs were completed.
