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In a significant act of sabotage, arsonists targeted France’s high-speed rail network early Friday, resulting in severe disruptions to train services bound for Paris. This incident affected approximately 800,000 individuals across Europe, including athletes en route to the Olympic Games opening ceremony.
The assailants strategically aimed at remote areas, effectively severing all rail connections to the capital. The fire attacks primarily impacted cables essential for the TGV system’s signaling, leading to a complete halt of train travel.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from these incidents. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo reassured the public that the damage would not obstruct the grandeur of the ceremony, where 7,000 athletes were set to glide past renowned Paris landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum.
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Disrupted train network strands passengers in France
As a result of the vandalism, train operations were suspended while repairs were initiated. Passengers at Montparnasse station experienced significant delays, having to rely on updates regarding their travel plans as numerous trains were redirected back to their starting points.
Before dawn, fires broke out near the tracks on three different lines, leading to extensive travel chaos. Additionally, an attempted arson in Vergigny was thwarted when rail agents intervened to drive away the perpetrators.
While officials did not speculate on the motive behind these attacks or identify possible culprits, they distinctly noted that there was no direct link between this sabotage and the Olympic Games.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal asserted that authorities are actively pursuing the arsonists, labeling the incidents as “premeditated” and “calculated.” He highlighted the seriousness of the situation, suggesting there was an intent to cause significant harm to the public.
According to Jean-Pierre Farandou, CEO of the national railway company SNCF, the arsonists chose their targets meticulously to maximize disruption, with each fire incident cutting off two vital train lines.
The SNCF announced plans to ensure transportation for all Olympic delegations and escalated surveillance measures, including deploying 50 drones.
A national investigation has been launched by Paris prosecutors, classifying the actions as crimes against the nation’s fundamental interests, with potential prison terms of up to 20 years.
German athletes abandon trip to opening ceremony
In a notable fallout, two out of four trains carrying athletes to Paris were halted just hours before the opening ceremony, according to an SNCF spokesperson.
Specifically, two German athletes were forced to turn back in Belgium due to the disruptions, as repairs ensued in the affected areas and police initiated forensic investigations.
Repair efforts are expected to be meticulous, as Farandou explained, stating, “We have to repair cable by cable.” Meanwhile, French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete indicated that train services began resuming later in the afternoon.
Rail officials anticipate a return to regular operations by Saturday, although delays may persist, with some interruptions likely continuing into Sunday. This attack occurs amidst a climate of global anxiety and increased security measures as Paris gears up for the 2024 Olympics.
French authorities previously reported foiling multiple plot attempts aimed at disrupting the Games.
Police head to Paris stations
In response to the arson, the Paris police prefecture has concentrated personnel at train stations, as highlighted by Paris police chief Laurent Nunez on France Info television.
For the duration of the Olympics, a substantial force of 35,000 police officers is deployed daily, with numbers peaking at 45,000 during the opening ceremony.
Paris has faced deadly terrorist incidents in the last decade, leading some officials to view the Olympic Games as an opportunity for national healing.
The disruptions particularly impacted Montparnasse station, where travelers faced frustrating waits for information on train services. Many passengers shared their experiences, including Maiwenn Labbé-Sorin, who described being stuck on a train without basic amenities for hours.
“We stayed two hours without water, without toilets, without electricity,” she recounted, expressing concern about future travel plans. In other bustling transit hubs like Gare du Nord, passengers were actively seeking updates as most services to northern France, Belgium, and the UK were significantly delayed.
As Sarah Moseley remarked amid the confusion while waiting for her London-bound train, “It’s a hell of a way to start the Olympics.”
Source
www.cbc.ca