PARIS — High-speed trains around France were hit by several “malicious acts” Friday that heavily disrupted traffic on the day of the high-risk opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, according to the national rail company SNCF.
Travel to and from London beneath the English Channel, to neighboring Belgium, and across the west, north and east of France were affected by what SNCF called a series of coordinated overnight incidents.
Government officials denounced the incidents hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, which are happening around France, though there was no immediate sign of a link to the Games.
National police said authorities are investigating what happened. French media reported a big fire on a busy western route.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete said in a post on X that he “firmly condemns these criminal incidents,” and that SNCF is working to restore traffic.
Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera said authorities are working to “evaluate the impact on travelers, athletes, and ensure the transport of all delegations to the competition sites” for the Olympics. Speaking on BFM television, she said, “Playing against the Games is playing against France, against your own camp, against your country.” She didn’t identify who was behind the vandalism.
Paris police chief Laurent Nunez, speaking on France Info radio, said he would send police reinforcement to overcrowded train stations in relation to the SNCF incidents.
Passengers at St. Pancras station in London were warned to expect delays of around an hour to their Eurostar journeys. Announcements in the departure hall at the international terminus informed travelers heading to Paris that there was a problem with overhead power supplies.
In the lead-up to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, French train lines have been experiencing disruptions due to what authorities are calling “malicious acts.” These disruptions have been causing significant delays and inconveniences for commuters and travelers alike.
The disruptions have been occurring on various train lines throughout France, including the high-speed TGV lines that connect major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. According to officials, the disruptions have been caused by a series of incidents, including vandalism of train tracks, signal malfunctions, and even deliberate sabotage of trains.
These malicious acts have not only affected the daily commute of thousands of people but have also raised concerns about the safety and security of the country’s transportation infrastructure. With the Olympics just around the corner, there is a heightened sense of urgency to address these disruptions and ensure that they do not impact the smooth operation of the games.
Authorities are working diligently to investigate these incidents and identify those responsible. In the meantime, they are urging commuters to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity they may witness near train tracks or stations.
The disruptions on French train lines serve as a stark reminder of the potential vulnerabilities of public transportation systems, especially in the lead-up to major events like the Olympics. It is crucial for authorities to take swift action to address these issues and ensure the safety and efficiency of the country’s train network.
As the countdown to the 2024 Olympics continues, all eyes will be on France to see how they handle these disruptions and ensure that they do not impact the success of the games. It is imperative that steps are taken to prevent further malicious acts and safeguard the integrity of the country’s transportation infrastructure.
