In a dramatic turn of events, France's high-speed TGV rail network was struck by a series of "malicious acts," including arson attacks, just hours before the grand opening of the Paris Olympics 2024. These coordinated acts of sabotage aimed to disrupt travel across some of the country’s busiest rail lines, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated Games.
The attacks have been described as deliberate attempts to create chaos and hinder transportation. The state-owned SNCF reported that arsonists targeted crucial installations along the high-speed rail routes connecting Paris with the western, northern, and eastern regions. The disruptions have also affected international travel to and from London and neighbouring Belgium, complicating travel plans for many.
According to SNCF, the sabotage forced the diversion and cancellation of numerous trains, leading to significant delays and inconvenience for passengers. The railway company has deployed teams to oversee repairs, but has warned that traffic disruptions will continue throughout the weekend. The attacks have had a considerable impact, affecting around 800,000 passengers.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete condemned the acts of vandalism, describing them as "criminal incidents" in a statement on X. He emphasised that the SNCF is working diligently to restore normal operations. Despite this, travellers have been advised to postpone their journeys if possible, as the extent of the damage is being assessed and repairs are underway.
Eurostar, the high-speed rail service connecting London and Paris, also reported disruptions due to the vandalism. The company indicated that all high-speed trains travelling between Paris and Lille have been rerouted via the classic line, extending journey times by approximately an hour and a half. Several trains have been cancelled, further straining the rail network.
French authorities are actively investigating the attacks. French police are working to identify those responsible and determine the motives behind these disruptions. While there is no immediate indication that the vandalism is directly linked to the Olympics, the timing and scale of the attacks raise concerns.
As the Paris Olympics approach, the disruptions caused by these malicious acts have heightened security and logistical challenges. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the need for enhanced measures to protect major events and public services from sabotage and criminal activities.
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