French Train Lines Targeted by Arson Attacks Just Hours Before Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

The rail network in France was targeted by arson on Friday in what officials are describing as a “significant assault to disrupt the railway system,” just moments before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games was scheduled to begin.

Numerous train lines experienced delays following the fires, impacting at least 800,000 individuals, according to a statement from SNCF, the French rail network.

Authorities have refrained from labeling the incident as a terrorist attack.

Reports of the fires began at 4 a.m. local time, characterized as “acts of sabotage” by SNCF. Signal boxes along the tracks were set ablaze, and cables were severed, resulting in major disruptions in northern and eastern France.

“Coordinated malicious activities targeted several TGV routes last night and will severely hamper traffic until the weekend,” expressed Patrice Vergriete, France’s transportation minister, on social media. “I strongly denounce these unlawful actions that will jeopardize the travel plans of many French citizens.”

Officials indicated that France’s high-speed rail lines appeared to be the primary focus of the attacks, with fires ignited along three lines while a fourth attempt was thwarted.

Repair efforts by SNCF are estimated to span the entire weekend, with Eurostar advising passengers to postpone their journeys to Paris.

To monitor the rail network, 40 railway police teams and 50 drones have been deployed, alongside 1,000 maintenance workers, according to SNCF.

The disruptions unfolded shortly before the commencement of the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremonies in Paris.

SNCF pledged to offer transportation for all participating teams and accredited individuals for the Olympic Games.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal condemned the sabotage, emphasizing the extensive and severe impact on the rail network. He expressed appreciation for the firefighters and SNCF personnel working to restore the network.

Attal extended his sympathy to affected French citizens and families, acknowledging their frustration and commending their patience and civic-mindedness. Intelligence agencies and law enforcement are actively pursuing the perpetrators of these criminal acts.