Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 04:22 am
Paris: With less than three weeks before the highly anticipated 2024 Olympics opening in Paris, a wave of “malicious acts” has crippled the rail network in the capital, according to the authorities. Here are the main updates on the situation:
- Huge Disruption: Trains into and from Paris have been severely disrupted after what has been described as a “massive attack” on France’s high-speed TGV rail network. The sabotage affects journeys taken by more than 800,000 travellers.
- Statement of the French Transport Minister: French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete wrote in an X, formerly Twitter post that the “sabotage” targeted several lines of TGVs and traffic was seriously disrupted until the weekend.
- Fires and Arson: A number of rail-line nodes were set on fire, with several witnesses reporting people fleeing the scenes in vans. Jean-Pierre Farandou, head of the national rail company SNCF, described the incident as a series of coordinated and simultaneous arson attacks with the aim of setting rail facilities ablaze.
- Rail Lines Affected: The attacks impacted SNCF’s Atlantic, northern, and eastern lines, creating wide disruption. On the official website, the national train operator advised passengers to delay traveling and refrain from going to any train station. Repairs: According to SNCF, the repairs will take several days and the situation is likely to persist over this weekend. Workers will have to repair the network cable by cable.
- International Impact: Services like Eurostar between London, Brussels, and Paris have also been disrupted.
- Heightened Security: The disruptions occur against a backdrop of tightened security in the French capital, Paris, with tens of thousands of police deployed ahead of the Games in securing the venues. Olympic sites, including those at train stations and major tourist landmarks, are placed under tight security, along with counter-terrorism units and the military.
- Olympic Preparations: Up to 7,500 athletes will attend an opening ceremony this evening and take part in a six-kilometre procession along the river Seine on a flotilla of 85 boats.
- Government Response: The state is trying to disperse the demonstrations and secure the city’s infrastructure for the opening of the Olympics.
- Public Information: Travelers are advised to check the most up-to-date travel information and plan for severe disruptions and cancellations throughout the weekend.