French Rail Network "Sabotaged" Ahead Of Olympics, Affecting 800,000 People

"This is a large-scale attack aimed at crippling the TGV network," the train operator SNCF informed AFP, noting that numerous routes will need to be cancelled.

France's high-speed rail system experienced significant disruptions due to "malicious acts," including arson attacks, as reported by train operator SNCF. These incidents occurred just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, severely affecting the transport network.

An insider from the investigation informed AFP that these were deliberate acts of "sabotage." SNCF confirmed this, stating that the attacks were extensive and aimed at crippling the TGV network. As a result, numerous routes were canceled.

"This was a large-scale attack intended to paralyze the TGV network," SNCF conveyed to AFP. The attacks primarily targeted the Atlantic, northern, and eastern lines, causing substantial disruptions that were expected to persist through the weekend as repairs were underway.

Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete described the sabotage as a "massive attack" and an "outrageous criminal act," noting that the consequences for rail traffic would be severe throughout the weekend. The sabotage cut connections to northern, eastern, and northwestern France by half, affecting around 800,000 passengers. Despite efforts to reroute trains, many services had to be canceled.

The southeastern line escaped impact due to a successfully thwarted malicious act. SNCF advised passengers to delay their trips and avoid train stations.

Olympics Under Heavy Security

These attacks coincided with heightened security in Paris ahead of the Summer Olympics opening ceremony. The event, drawing 300,000 spectators and numerous VIPs, featured a parade of up to 7,500 athletes along a six-kilometer stretch of the River Seine. This marked the first time a Summer Olympics opening took place outside the main athletics stadium, a risky move given France's high terror alert status.

At Montparnasse station in Paris, many passengers faced delays ranging from 30 minutes to nearly two hours, awaiting updates on their travel plans. A sign indicated that normal traffic was expected to resume on Monday, July 29.

"We arrived around 7:00 am but were informed we might not leave before Monday," said Jocelyn, a 27-year-old student traveling to Bretagne. She noted that while some chaos was anticipated due to the opening ceremony, the extent of the disruption was unexpected.