The state-operated high-speed rail network in France was hit by arson attacks hours before the start of the Paris Olympics on Friday, paralysing travel to the French capital from the rest of France and Europe to witness the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
French officials described the attacks as “criminal actions" and said they were investigating whether they were linked to the Olympic Games. The disruptions as the world's eye was turning to Paris were expected to affect a quarter of a million people alone on Friday and endure through the weekend, and possibly longer, officials said.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete described people fleeing from the scene of fires and the discovery of incendiary devices at the site. “Everything indicates that these are criminal fires,” he said. “The incidents paralysed several high-speed lines linking Paris to the rest of France and to neighbouring countries,” Vergriete said, speaking on BFM television.
State-owned operator SNCF told AFP, “This is a massive attack on a large scale to paralyse the TGV network.” SNCF added many routes would have to be cancelled and the situation would last “at least all weekend while repairs are conducted”. SNCF said vandals had targeted installations along the lines connecting the French capital with the country’s west, north and east and that traffic would be severely disrupted across the country during the weekend.
The attack occurred against a backdrop of global tensions and heightened security measures as the city prepared for the 2024 Olympic Games. Many travellers were planning to converge on the capital for the opening ceremony, and many vacationers were also in transit.
As Paris authorities geared up for a spectacular parade on and along the Seine River amid tightened security, three fires were reported near the tracks on the high-speed lines of Atlantique, Nord and Est. The disruptions particularly affected Paris' major Montparnasse station. Videos posted on social networks showed the hall of the station saturated with travellers.
“The Paris police prefecture concentrated its personnel in Parisian train stations after the massive attack that paralysed the TGV high-speed network,” Laurent Nuez, the Paris police chief, told France Info television.
Many passengers at the Gare du Nord, one of Europe's busiest train stations, were looking for answers and solutions on Friday morning. All eyes were on the central message boards as most services to northern France, Belgium and the United Kingdom were delayed.
Travel to and from London beneath the English Channel, to neighbouring Belgium, and across the west, north, and east of France was affected by what the French national rail company SNCF called a series of coordinated overnight incidents.
Government officials denounced the acts, though they said there was no immediate sign of a direct link to the Olympics. National police said authorities were investigating the incidents. French media reported a major fire on a busy western route.
Sports Minister Amlie Ouda-Castera said authorities were working to evaluate the impact on travellers, athletes, and ensure the transport of all delegations to the competition sites for the Olympics. Speaking on BFM television, she added, “Playing against the Games is playing against France, against your own camp, against your country.” She did not identify who was behind the vandalism.
-with inputs from agencies.