Attacks hours before Olympic inauguration
The High-Speed Rail network was disrupted hours before the inauguration of the Paris Olympics 2024 in France. The ‘Malicious Acts’, including arson, is a significant blow to the train traffic in France.
The incidents include fires on major rainlines, which led to cancellation of trains. A large number of travellers had to cancel their plans, mainly to attend the inauguration of the global sports event.
According to reports SNCF (national train operators) told the media that a number of routes will be closed for train traffic and further disruption is expected to continue. SNCF was the victim of several such acts overnight.
Arson attacks were started to damage the SNFC facilities. The traffic on the Atlantic, northern, and eastern northern were affected. SNCF said that while trains are being redirected to alternate tracks, a significant number will need to be cancelled. The southeastern lines remained unaffected as disruptive acts were foiled. SNCF has advised passengers to delay their travel plans and avoid train stations.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete condemned the attacks and called it a “coordinated malicious acts targeting several TGV lines and will seriously disrupt traffic until this weekend”.
SNCF is working hard to restore the traffic conditions quickly.