The Olympics ceremony in Paris has been propelled into chaos as its vital train line has been targeted by vandals carrying out “malicious acts.” The £12billion network has come into the spotlight as attempts are made to “paralyse the system”.
Several high-speed lines surrounding Paris have, as a result, been hit. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete has strongly condemned “criminal acts” that he said would affect people’s holiday plans.
Queues have already begun forming at Gare Montparnasse Station, in the city centre, due to a number of trains having been cancelled. SNCF has warned that the situation could last “at least all weekend while repairs are conducted”.
This is despite the Olympics opening ceremony taking place later today. SNCF confirmed that fires had been set on three lines. A source close to the investigation told AFP news agency that the attack involved acts of “sabotage”.
Police investigation coordinator Francois Vignolle said on X (formerly Twitter) that there were five acts of damage caused by incendiary devices being places on the tracks.
Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra also described the attacks as “downright appalling”, adding that the impact on the public and Olympic athletes was currently being assessed.
Patrice Vergriete wrote on social media: “Co-ordinated malicious acts targeted several TGV lines last night and will seriously disrupt traffic until this weekend. I strongly condemn these criminal actions which will compromise the vacation departures of many French people.”
“Vergriete went on to thank SNCF staff on trying to restore services “as quickly as possible”. Among the methods to try and keep trains going, some have been diverted onto different tracks.
But in an unavoidable situation, many have had to be cancelled with SNCF urging people to either postpone their plans or avoid train stations entirely today.
Passengers hoping to get into Paris from London on the Eurostar have also been hit with bad news. Eurostar confirmed the delays are extending to the UK – with delays and cancellations hitting customers at St Pancras International.
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