An apparent arson attack has severely disrupted France's high-speed train network, affecting approximately 100 journeys. The incident occurred overnight just south of Valence, targeting crucial railway cables on the main line connecting Paris to Marseille.
National railway operator SNCF confirmed that 16 cables across a 25-meter stretch of track were intentionally set on fire. This act of vandalism has led to widespread cancellations and delays, with full service restoration not expected until Tuesday morning.
Key Takeaways
- Around 100 high-speed train journeys were canceled or delayed.
- Cables were intentionally set on fire near Valence.
- The main Paris-Marseille line is heavily affected.
- Full train services are not expected to resume until Tuesday morning.
- This marks another incident in a series of railway disruptions in France.
Significant Delays on Key French Rail Line
The incident caused immediate chaos for thousands of travelers. Passengers attempting to travel between Paris and Marseille faced extensive delays and cancellations. The affected line is one of France's busiest, crucial for both domestic and international connections.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot publicly stated that the cables were "intentionally set on fire." This suggests a deliberate act rather than an accident, raising concerns about railway security.
Incident Details
- Location: South of Valence, France
- Target: Railway signaling and power cables
- Damage: 16 cables, 25 meters (27 yards) of track
- Impact: Approximately 100 high-speed train trips
- Estimated Repair Time: Until early evening Monday, full restoration by Tuesday morning
Travelers Face Frustration and Uncertainty
At Paris's Gare de Lyon station, long queues formed as passengers tried to rebook tickets. Many trains to Marseille were canceled outright. The situation forced travelers to seek alternative transport or postpone their journeys.
One German student, Lina, shared her experience. She had planned to travel to Barcelona but had to disembark her train in Paris. "I hope to get my money back and take a bus," she said, highlighting the financial and logistical burden on affected individuals.
"Our teams on the ground estimate that repair work will last until early evening."
In Marseille, the scene was similar, with queues extending from the station ticket office. A railway employee described the situation as "Welcome to the jungle," reflecting the widespread disruption and frustration among staff and passengers.
Ongoing Challenges for French Railways
This recent arson attack is not an isolated event. French railway lines have faced a series of disruptions over the past year. These incidents have ranged from criminal acts to unforeseen circumstances, each impacting travel significantly.
In June, cable theft in northern France caused Eurostar services between London and Paris to be disrupted for several days. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to theft and vandalism.
Previous Disruptions
French railways have experienced several major incidents in recent months:
- June: Cable theft in northern France affected Eurostar services.
- March: Discovery of a 500-kilogram World War II bomb near Paris caused thousands of passengers to be stranded.
- These incidents underscore persistent challenges in maintaining smooth railway operations.
Security Concerns Ahead of Major Events
The repeated targeting of railway infrastructure raises serious security concerns, especially with major international events scheduled in France. Authorities are likely to intensify efforts to protect vital transport links.
Repair crews are working tirelessly to replace the damaged cables and restore full functionality. However, the extent of the damage means that normal operations will not resume immediately.
The incident's full impact on the national railway network is still being assessed. Travelers are advised to check SNCF updates before planning any journeys on the affected lines.
No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the arson attack. Investigations are underway to identify the culprits and understand their motives behind this significant act of sabotage.
