Coordinated Sabotage Hits France's Rail Network Before Olympics

Updated: Friday, July 26, 2024, 19:29 [IST]

France's high-speed rail network faced severe disruptions due to "malicious acts" including arson attacks, according to train operator SNCF. These incidents occurred just hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. A source close to investigation described the attacks as coordinated acts of "sabotage".

SNCF reported that multiple routes would be cancelled due to these attacks, which targeted its Atlantic, northern, and eastern lines. The national train operator stated, "SNCF was the victim of several simultaneous malicious acts overnight," adding that traffic on these lines was "heavily disrupted" and repairs would continue through the weekend.

Impact on Rail Traffic

Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete condemned the attacks as an "outrageous criminal act" and warned of "very serious consequences" for rail traffic throughout the weekend. Connections towards northern, eastern, and northwestern France were halved, affecting 800,000 passengers. SNCF chief executive Jean-Pierre Farandou confirmed that many trains would be diverted or cancelled.

The southeastern line remained unaffected as a "malicious act was foiled". SNCF advised passengers to postpone their trips and avoid train stations during this period. At Paris's Montparnasse train station, passengers faced delays ranging from 30 minutes to almost two hours.

Olympics Under Heavy Security

The attacks coincided with heightened security in Paris ahead of the Summer Olympics opening ceremony. Around 300,000 spectators and numerous VIPs were expected at the event. The parade featured up to 7,500 competitors travelling down a six-kilometre stretch of the river Seine on 85 boats.

This marked the first time a Summer Olympics opened outside the main athletics stadium, a decision made amid France's highest alert for terror attacks. Passengers at Montparnasse station expressed frustration over the delays. Jocelyn, a 27-year-old student planning to travel to Bretagne, said, "We arrived around 7:00 am but we were told that we might not be able to leave before Monday."

Normal traffic is anticipated to resume on Monday, July 29. Signs in departure halls informed passengers about potential delays and cancellations. Jocelyn added, "We expected it to be a bit chaotic in Paris with the opening ceremony scheduled for this evening, but we didn't think it could be this bad."

The situation remains tense as authorities work to restore normalcy while ensuring safety during one of France's most significant events.