France’s national rail operator, SNCF, reported on Friday that its high-speed TGV rail network has suffered “malicious acts,” including arson attacks, severely disrupting the country’s transport system. The incidents have occurred mere hours before the highly anticipated opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
High-Speed Rail Lines Affected
“This is a massive attack on a large scale to paralyze the TGV network,” SNCF told AFP news agency. The operator revealed that many routes would be canceled, with disruptions expected to last “at least all weekend while repairs are conducted.” By mid-morning, the company estimated around 800,000 passengers were affected.
Three arson attacks overnight destroyed cabling boxes at strategic junctions, significantly impacting high-speed rail lines. Traffic between Lille and Paris was halted at 5:15 a.m. due to “a malicious act in the Arras area,” while vandalism between Metz and Nancy seriously disrupted the Paris-to-eastern-France route. Additionally, traffic was cut on the Atlantic line following “an act of vandalism near Courtalain,” where tracks divide for Brittany and Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
“Deliberate fires were started to damage our installations. SNCF network teams are already on site to carry out the diagnosis and begin repairs,” SNCF told BFMTV. The company also reported thwarted sabotage attempts on the southeastern line from Paris.
Perpetrators and Government Response
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced on social media platform X that the country’s intelligence services had been mobilized to track down the perpetrators, describing the acts as “sabotage,” which were “prepared and coordinated.” Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete detailed the discovery of incendiary devices and witnesses seeing people fleeing from the scene of the fires, indicating these were “criminal fires.”
Guidance for Passengers
SNCF advised passengers of numerous train diversions and cancellations. “Affected travelers will be contacted by email or SMS,” the company posted on X. “We ask all travelers who can to postpone their trip and not to go to the station. All tickets for these disrupted journeys are exchangeable and refundable.”
Services to northern France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom faced delays, with passengers at St. Pancras station in London advised to expect delays for their Eurostar journeys. “We encourage our customers to postpone their trip if possible,” Eurostar said in a statement. German rail operator Deutsche Bahn also warned of disruptions to its long-distance services to France due to the vandalism.
Impact on the Paris 2024 Olympics
Prime Minister Attal reaffirmed the mobilization of France’s intelligence services and law enforcement to find and punish the perpetrators, reiterating that the acts were “prepared and coordinated.”
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera condemned the attacks, linking them to the start of the 2024 Olympics. “It’s completely appalling,” she told BFMTV. “To target the games is to target France.” Laurent Nunez, the prefect in charge of policing in the capital, announced that additional security forces were being dispatched to Paris stations to bolster security.
As France prepares to host the world for the Paris 2024 Olympics, these attacks have cast a shadow over the event, testing the resilience and response of the nation’s security and transportation infrastructures.
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