Hours before the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris, France, the high-speed TGV train network was hit by “malicious acts,” including arson attacks, on Friday, according to train operator SNCF. These attacks were intended to paralyse the TGV network, said SNCF, adding that many train routes will have to be cancelled.
Travel Disruptions and Impact
SNCF announced that the attacks targeted its Atlantic western, northern, and eastern regions, though an attempted attack on the southeastern line was foiled. The arson attacks caused significant damage to facilities, leading to heavily disrupted traffic on these lines.
About 800,000 passengers were affected, said SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou. Fires were started at three critical rail-line nodes, and people were seen fleeing the sites in vans. Farandou noted that the sites were chosen to cause significant disruption to traffic. Many trains will have to be cancelled, and the repair of the network will have to be done cable by cable.
Trains to neighbouring Belgium and London via the English Channel have also been affected, The Associated Press reported.
SNCF advised all passengers to postpone travel and avoid trains during this period. Repairs are underway, they informed.
What Do Officials Say?
Government officials strongly condemned the attacks, which occurred hours before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, though there was no immediate indication of the attacks having a connection to the Games.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete called the attacks against the rail network “an outrageous criminal act.”
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera called the situation absolutely appalling, stating that attacking the Games is equivalent to attacking France.
There have been no official statements regarding who might be responsible for the attacks. An investigation is currently underway, announced Paris prosecutors.
Increased Security for Olympics
France has implemented heavy security to safeguard the event with 45,000 police officers, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security personnel. The grand opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics will include a parade where up to 7,000 athletes will be transported on a fleet of barges along the Seine River, with 300,000 spectators and numerous VIPs in attendance.
