Attack on France’s Rail Network Before Olympics: Fires and Vandalism Trap 800,000 Travelers

Just about 10 hours before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in France, an attack on the railway network occurred in Paris on Friday. According to Paris local time, at 5:15 AM, reports of vandalism and fires on several railway lines surfaced.

According to a BBC report, within half an hour of the attack, many trains traveling to and from Paris were canceled. Several trains were delayed by 90 minutes. Due to the attack, nearly 800,000 passengers were stranded at the stations.

France’s national railway company, SNCF, has issued a warning for all passengers, advising them not to come to the stations. SNCF has deployed hundreds of its employees to manage the train operations properly.

In response to the attack, Britain has issued a travel advisory for its citizens, advising against using the French railway lines. The identity and motive behind the railway line attack are still unknown.

Eurostar Cancels and Diverts All Trains

Eurostar railway company stated that it has canceled many trains. The attack has had the most significant impact on the railway line from London to Paris. In response to the attack, the company has diverted all its trains. France’s Transport Minister, Patrice Vergret, condemned the attack in a social media post and mentioned that he is in constant contact with SNCF.

Attack on 3 High-Speed Train Lines

France’s national railway company stated that there are four main high-speed train lines in the country, connecting the entire nation with Paris. Out of these, three lines were attacked, while an attack on one railway line was foiled. The attacked lines include the Atlantic, Northern, and Eastern lines.

The attack began in the city of Arras, about 160 km from Paris. Subsequently, a second attack occurred on the Tours and Le Mans line present in the city of Courtalain, about 144 km from Paris.

SNCF chief mentioned that there was an attempt to halt their rail network and traffic overnight. Incidents of fire occurred at three places on the TGV lines running west, north, and east of Paris. An attempt to set fire to the railway line heading towards Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea in the south was foiled.

Olympics Starting Today in France

The Olympic Games are set to begin today in Paris, the capital of France. The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11. About 300,000 spectators and 7,500 athletes are expected to participate in today’s opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony will be held in an open-air setting on the Seine River, with 45,000 soldiers deployed for security. Additionally, 35,000 soldiers will be deployed in Paris to ensure security throughout the tournament.