'Attack' on French rail network ahead of Paris Olympics opening, 800,000 people affected
“Malicious acts” have hit France's high-speed train network, disrupting traffic, the country's national rail operator said.
Paris: In a shocking development, France's high-speed rail network has been hit by 'malicious acts' that have disrupted transport, rail operator SNCF said on Friday, hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Sources close to the investigation told AFP that the attacks were coordinated acts of “sabotage”. “This is a large-scale attack to paralyze the TGV network,” SNCF told AFP, adding that several routes would have to be cancelled. More than 8 lakh people have been affected.
“Malicious acts” have hit France's high-speed train network, disrupting traffic, the country's national rail operator said.
French rail operator SNCF reported acts of vandalism on several of its high-speed train lines, DW said. The TGV high-speed rail network was disrupted on routes in the west, north and east of the country, with services disrupted on some sections, causing delays, local media said.
“Coordinated malicious acts targeted several TGV lines last night and will severely disrupt traffic until this weekend. I strongly condemn these criminal acts which will compromise the holiday departures of many French people. Many thanks to the #SNCF teams on the bridge for restoring traffic conditions as quickly as possible.”
The country's sports minister, Amelie Oude-Castera, condemned the attack and was quoted by BFM TV, a French news broadcasting television and radio network, as saying that “playing against the Games is playing against France, against your side, against your country. “
She said the impact on passengers, Olympic athletes and the general public while ensuring “smooth transportation of all delegations to the competition venues” is currently being assessed.
Rail operator SNCF said rail services in the Atlantic, Northern and Eastern regions were disrupted. The operator said in a statement that the situation “should last at least through the weekend, while repairs are made”.
(with input from agencies)
