France's state-owned rail company, SNCF, reported a "massive attack" on its high-speed train infrastructure on Friday morning, resulting in widespread delays and cancellations. The disruption comes on the first day of the 2024 Paris Olympics, significantly affecting the country's transport system.
Impact on Travel
The attack has forced many trains to be rerouted or cancelled, creating chaos for travelers. SNCF has urged all passengers to postpone their journeys and avoid going to the stations if possible. The most affected routes are those connecting major cities to Paris, including:
Paris to Lille: Suspended
Tours and Le Mans to Paris: Suspended
Southeast routes: Largely unaffected due to a previously foiled attack in the region
The disruption is expected to continue throughout the weekend as repairs are underway.
Government Response
French government officials have condemned the acts of vandalism. Patrice Vergriete, France's Minister Delegate for Transport, expressed strong disapproval on social media platform X, highlighting the impact on holiday travelers. He praised the SNCF teams for their efforts to restore normal traffic conditions swiftly.
Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, Minister for Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, also condemned the attacks, calling them "appalling" and emphasizing that such actions are against the spirit of the games and the country.
Nature of the Attack
The attack reportedly involved arson, targeting the high-speed rail network. While specific details of the attack are still under investigation, SNCF has indicated that the damage is severe enough to disrupt train services for several days. The attack appears to have been coordinated to maximize disruption on a critical day for the French transport system.
Efforts to Restore Service
SNCF teams are working diligently to repair the damaged infrastructure and restore normal service. The company has not provided a specific timeline for when full service will be resumed but has assured passengers that all efforts are being made to mitigate the impact.
For the latest updates and travel advisories, passengers are encouraged to check the official SNCF website and social media channels. Travelers can also contact SNCF customer service for more detailed information on specific routes and travel alternatives.
Source: Euronews
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