Paris Olympics 2024: France’s high speed train network hit by arson attacks hours before Olympics opening ceremony
Paris Olympics 2024: Just hours before the much-anticipated opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024, France's high-speed train network suffered a series of arson attacks and other "malicious acts", causing significant disruptions and raising security concerns.
French railway operator SNCF reported acts of vandalism on several of its high-speed train routes.
Local media reported that the TGV high-speed rail network was disrupted on lines to the country's west, north and east, with service being cut off on some sections, causing delays.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete took to his X handle and said, “Coordinated malicious acts targeted several TGV lines last night and will seriously disrupt traffic until this weekend. I strongly condemn these criminal actions which will compromise the vacation departures of many French people. A big thank you to the #SNCF teams on the bridge to restore traffic conditions as quickly as possible.”
France's Sports Minister, Amelie Oudea-Castera, condemned the arson attacks on the country's high-speed train network. She stated, "To play against the Games is to play against France, against your side, against your country."
Oudea-Castera noted that the impact on travelers, Olympic athletes, and the general public was being assessed, while assuring that there would be "smooth transportation of all delegations to the competition sites."
The rail operator SNCF reported that train traffic in the Atlantic, North, and East regions had been disrupted due to the attacks. The disruption is expected to last throughout the weekend while repairs are being conducted.
- With inputs from agencies
