France Endures Major Train Delays Due to Sabotage
France faced major train delays for a second day as authorities investigated sabotage attacks on the SNCF rail network. The incidents disrupted travel just before the Paris Olympics, with nearly one-third of trains cancelled and hundreds of thousands of passengers affected. Investigations are ongoing as services aim to return to normal by Monday.
Paris: Tens of thousands of rail passengers faced a second day of travel disruptions on Saturday as French authorities investigated acts of sabotage targeting the SNCF rail network.
The incidents occurred just before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, affecting northern, western, and eastern regions of France.
Nearly one-third of trains were cancelled in these areas, and about a quarter of Eurostar trains between London and Paris were also affected.
SNCF chief Jean-Pierre Farandou assured that services would return to normal by Monday.
Deputy transport minister authorities confirmed that 160,000 out of 800,000 travelers faced cancellations over the weekend.
No group has claimed responsibility for the planned night-time attacks on crucial cabling boxes, though maintenance workers were able to prevent a fourth attack.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin stated that the investigation was progressing, with signs indicating potential identification of the perpetrators.
Security remains a priority during the Games, with tens of thousands of police and troops on duty.
Nearly 250,000 people missed their trains on Friday, with delays extending into Sunday for northern France, Britain, and Belgium.
The SNCF reported that most train services in eastern France had resumed normal operations.
Passengers at affected stations were informed of the situation and the expected delays through regular loudspeaker announcements.
The incidents occurred just before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, affecting northern, western, and eastern regions of France.
Nearly one-third of trains were cancelled in these areas, and about a quarter of Eurostar trains between London and Paris were also affected.
SNCF chief Jean-Pierre Farandou assured that services would return to normal by Monday.
Deputy transport minister authorities confirmed that 160,000 out of 800,000 travelers faced cancellations over the weekend.
No group has claimed responsibility for the planned night-time attacks on crucial cabling boxes, though maintenance workers were able to prevent a fourth attack.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin stated that the investigation was progressing, with signs indicating potential identification of the perpetrators.
Security remains a priority during the Games, with tens of thousands of police and troops on duty.
Nearly 250,000 people missed their trains on Friday, with delays extending into Sunday for northern France, Britain, and Belgium.
The SNCF reported that most train services in eastern France had resumed normal operations.
Passengers at affected stations were informed of the situation and the expected delays through regular loudspeaker announcements.
