French rail network hit by ‘malicious acts’ ahead of Paris Olympics
Al Jazeera
Network disrupted by multiple arson attacks that could paralyse busy routes ‘at least all weekend’.
France’s high-speed TGV rail network has been hit by “malicious acts”, disrupting some of the nation’s busiest lines on the day of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
“Arson attacks were started to damage our facilities,” said state-owned railway operator SNCF on Friday, stating that the “simultaneous malicious acts” had taken place overnight.
The railway operator said many routes would have to be cancelled “at least all weekend while repairs are conducted”.
Arsonists had targeted installations along the lines connecting Paris with the country’s west, north and east. The southeastern line was not affected as “a malicious act was foiled”, it said.
Trains to neighbouring Belgium and to London under the English Channel were also affected.
