France’s high-speed rail network was hit Friday, July 26, with widespread and “criminal” acts of vandalism including arson attacks, paralyzing travel to Paris from across the rest of France and Europe only hours before the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics.
Jul 26, 2024 09:37 AM
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.
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 travelers.
“It’s a hell of a way to start the Olympics,” said Sarah Moseley, 42, as she learned that her train to London was an hour late. 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.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Olympics Sports Hub and French street food fair opensAs the opening of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games draws near, the French Embassy in partnership with SM Supermalls and Decathlon Philippines launched an Olympics Sports Hub at the SM Mall of Asia, to bring the fun and excitement of Paris Olympics 2024 closer to Filipinos.
Read more »
Attacker stabs and wounds French soldier patrolling Paris ahead of the OlympicsPARIS (AP) — A French soldier was stabbed outside a big train station in Paris on Monday and the attacker was arrested, officials said, while the city is under a high security alert 11 days before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics.
Read more »
Israeli athletes 'welcome' for Paris Olympics — MacronPARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that Israeli athletes were 'welcome' for the Paris Olympics, rejecting calls from some left-wing French MPs and the Palestinian Olympic Committee for a boycott.
Read more »
French high-speed rail network lines sabotaged in hours before Games opening ceremonyPARIS (AP) — Hours away from the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics, high-speed rail traffic to the French capital was severely disrupted on Friday by what officials described as 'criminal actions' and sabotage.
Read more »
French high-speed rail network lines sabotaged in hours before Games opening ceremonyPARIS — Hours away from the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics, high-speed rail traffic to the French capital was severely disrupted on Friday by what officials described as “criminal actions” and sabotage.
Read more »
France's high-speed railway hit by 'sabotage' during OlympicsPARIS, France — France's high-speed rail network was hit by 'malicious acts' including arson attacks that have disrupted the transport system, train operator SNCF said Friday, hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
Read more »