French rail operator SNCF is warning of potential disruptions to train services that may extend through the weekend following a series of sabotage incidents targeting the nation’s rail network. This attack occurred just hours before the highly anticipated opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers.
The deliberate arson attacks impacted three key lines of the high-speed TGV network, resulting in significant chaos for travelers. Fortunately, a fourth attack was successfully thwarted by vigilant rail workers.
In response to the incidents, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal labeled the actions as “acts of sabotage.” The disruption led to the cancellation of approximately 25% of international Eurostar trains, inconveniencing many, including notable figures.
SNCF issued a statement indicating that service on the affected lines is expected to improve on Saturday, thanks to the efforts of thousands of rail employees. According to their update:
– Trains on the eastern line will resume normal operations starting at 06:00.
– The northern line expects 80% of trains to run, but delays of 1-2 hours are anticipated.
– The southwestern line will see 60% of trains operational, also with 1-2 hours of delays expected.
The company has committed to notifying customers via email or text message about any train delays or cancellations.
Eurostar anticipates about 20% of its services will be canceled over the weekend, with all trains facing delays of around 1.5 hours, as they predominantly operate on the northern high-speed line.
To bolster security, SNCF has enhanced surveillance across the rail network, deploying 1,000 personnel and utilizing 50 drones.
Junior Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete disclosed that approximately 250,000 passengers were impacted as of Friday, and estimates suggest that up to 800,000 individuals could encounter delays and cancellations by Monday. He emphasized that the primary objective of the saboteurs appeared to be disrupting holiday travel, rather than affecting the Olympic events.
Current investigations indicate that the attacks were meticulously planned, with no group yet claiming responsibility. Officials suggest the operation was orchestrated by a single organized structure.
On Friday morning, at around 04:00, the saboteurs targeted specialized fiber optic cables vital for the rail network’s operations, igniting chaos. One of the sites was located in Courtalain, about 150 kilometers southwest of Paris, where charred cables were reported.
SNCF characterized the incidents as a “massive, large-scale attack” aimed at crippling its services, with additional sites targeted in Pagny-sur-Moselle and Croisilles. An attempted attack in Vergigny was averted due to maintenance work being conducted by SNCF employees.
Authorities have launched an investigation focused on safeguarding the infrastructure critical to the nation.
