The head of France’s rail network called it a “coordinated attack.”
LONDON
LONDON -- Arson attacks on France’s rail network have taken place in what authorities are calling a "massive attack to destabilize the railway system," just hours before the 2024 Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony is set to take place.
Trains at all major Paris stations have been delayed after fires and at least 800,000 people have been affected in the "arson attacks were set to damage our installations," according to a statement from rail company, SCNF.
Authorities have not called this a terror attack, but fires began to be reported overnight at 4 a.m. local time and that trackside signal boxes have were set on fire and cables on the lines had been cut, which has caused major disruptions in the north and east of France.
“Coordinated malicious acts targeted several TGV lines last night and will seriously disrupt traffic until this weekend,” said the French transport minister. “I strongly condemn these criminal actions which will compromise the departures on vacation of many French people.”
France’s high-speed rail lines seem to be the intended target, officials said Friday morning, as fires were set along three lines while a fourth fire on another line was stopped.
SCNF says it will take all weekend to repair while Eurostar has already been advising passengers to postpone their trips to Paris.
All this is happening just hours before the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic Games are set to take place in Paris on Friday evening.
No comments:
Post a Comment