Paris Olympics: Arson attack causes major disruption to Paris train network

Paris Olympics: Arson attack causes major disruption to Paris train network

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France's trains were thrown into chaos today following a series of arson incidents, just hours before the country officially opens the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Travelers have been advised to postpone their journeys where possible following the incidents, which French transport minister Patrice Vergrete described as “coordinated brutal acts.”

The arson attack which occurred between 1 am and 5:30 am local time affected several TGV lines in the country. The Paris prosecutor's office has opened an investigation.

According to the railway company under the French government, SNCF, trains are expected to be disrupted throughout the weekend after fires were set in different parts of the line connecting Paris to the west, north and east. The fire appears to have targeted electrical boxes or signs, according to reports.

SNCF workers and the French military are investigating the scene of a suspected attack on a high-speed rail line in Croiselles, northern France. DENIS CHARLET / GETTY IMAGES

An SNCF statement said: “Last night, SNCF was the victim of vandalism on the Atlantic, North and East high-speed lines.”

Jean-Pierre Farandou, CEO of SNCF told French news network BFM TV: “I am thinking of all the French people who will not be able to go on holiday today or those who will go in the worst conditions.” He added that the disruption will not be a quick solution “It will definitely last the whole weekend, because it will take a long time to fix …. today is a sad day.”

Eurostar is experiencing significant disruption on the high-speed line connecting Paris and Lille. The delay is expected to extend the usual journey time by up to an hour and a half and has forced a number of cancellations.

EUROSTAR.COM

So far, Eurostar's website shows extensive delays to all its services today and at least 11 cancellations. The most affected services currently appear to be the connection between Brussels and Paris.

A sign showing a Eurostar train cancellation notice at St Pancras International Station, London. DAN KITWOOD/GETTY IMAGES

A Eurostar spokesman said: “Due to the brutal actions coordinated in France, affecting the high-speed line between Paris and Lille, all high-speed trains to and from Paris are being diverted on the old line today, Friday 26 July.”

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“Eurostars teams are fully integrated at stations, call centers and en route to ensure all passengers are informed and can reach their destination.”

Europe's biggest train operator is encouraging its passengers to postpone their journeys where they can and allowing its customers to cancel their journeys free of charge and receive a full refund. Passengers are also informed that they can change their itinerary free of charge.

A spokesman for Eurostar told TPG that the train operator expects to cancel around 25% of its scheduled service over the weekend, with disruption from Monday morning.

France's EuroAirport Basel-Muhouse-Freiburg, which is operated jointly by France and Switzerland, temporarily suspended flights this morning following the evacuation and closure of its site for “security reasons” following a reported bomb threat, according to Reuters. It is not clear if this is related to the previous rail attack, and the airport has since reopened.

“For security reasons, the terminal has had to be evacuated and closed for the time being. Flight operations have been temporarily suspended.” The airport said in X. “Passengers are asked to contact their airline for information about their flight.”

Amélie Oudéa-Castera, the minister of sports, said that the authorities are working to “assess the impact on travelers, athletes, and to ensure the transportation of all embassies to the places of competition”.

It is not clear how long it will take for trains to be fully operational again, and there are no indications of who may have been responsible for the attack. This is a developing story, which we will update as we find out more.

Bottom line

Today was supposed to be a celebration in France for the opening of the 2024 Paris Olympics, one of the most anticipated events of the year. The event, however, was marred by a series of car arson incidents that severely disrupted the operation of French trains. Disruption is expected to continue into the weekend and commuters are advised to postpone their journeys, where possible.

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