The widespread and “criminal” acts of vandalism include arson attacks
Travelers check trains on an electronic board at the Gare de Montparnasse, at the 2024 Summer Olympics , Friday, July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. Hours away from the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics , high-speed rail traffic to the French capital was severely disrupted on Friday following what officials described as "criminal actions" and sabotage.
As Paris authorities geared up for a spectacular parade on and along the Seine River amid tightened security, three fires were reported near the tracks on the high-speed lines of Atlantique, Nord and Est. The disruptions particularly affected Paris’ major Montparnasse station. Videos posted on social networks showed the hall of the station saturated with travelers.
“It’s a hell of a way to start the Olympics,” said Sarah Moseley, 42, as she learned that her train to London was an hour late. Government officials denounced the acts, though they said there was no immediate sign of a direct link to the Olympics. National police said authorities were investigating the incidents. French media reported a major fire on a busy western route.
SNCF said it did not know when traffic would resume and feared that disruptions would continue “at least all weekend.” SNCF teams “were already on site to carry out diagnostics and begin repairs,” but the “situation should last at least all weekend while the repairs are carried out,” the operator said. SNCF advised “all passengers to postpone their journey and not to go to the station,” specifying in its press release that all tickets were exchangeable and refundable.
@Topstory Olympics 2024 Olympics @Topstories Olympics
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Massive arson attack’ cripples French high-speed rail on Olympics opening dayA series of coordinated arson attacks has crippled France's rail network on the first day of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Read more »
France's high-speed rail network hit by arson attacks, canceling trains ahead of OlympicsSNCF said in a statement its network had experienced severall concurrent attacks on Thursday night, with fire damaging its facilies.
Read more »
France train lines hit by arson attacks just hours before 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremonyPolice are not calling it a terror attack. It's a 'deliberate act of arson.'
Read more »
France train lines hit by arson attacks just hours before 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremonyPolice are not calling it a terror attack. It's a “deliberate act of arson.”
Read more »
France train lines hit by arson attacks just hours before 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremonyPolice are not calling it a terror attack. It's a 'deliberate act of arson.'
Read more »
France train lines hit by arson attacks just hours before 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremonyPolice are not calling it a terror attack. It's a 'deliberate act of arson.'
Read more »