Massive Attack on French Rail Network Causes Travel Chaos Ahead of Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
Paris – A Day of Disruption
27.07.2024: Just hours before the grand opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, France’s high-speed rail network was paralyzed by a coordinated arson attack, causing widespread disruption for hundreds of thousands of passengers. SNCF Chairman and CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou confirmed that fiber optic cables in multiple locations were set on fire.
Impact on Travelers
The attack led to significant delays and cancellations, affecting at least 250,000 passengers on Friday alone, with 800,000 expected to be impacted over the weekend. Travelers were urged to postpone their plans and avoid going to the stations.
Government Response
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal assured that intelligence and law enforcement agencies were mobilized to find the perpetrators. He emphasized the seriousness of the attack on X, highlighting its massive impact on the rail network.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin clarified that there were no direct threats to the opening ceremony itself. Instead, the attacks seemed aimed at disrupting public services rather than the Olympics. Despite the chaos, the opening ceremony was not directly affected.
Security Measures
An unprecedented security operation was in place for the opening ceremony, with 45,000 police officers and 10,000 military personnel deployed across Paris. SWAT officers patrolled the Seine River alongside athletes, while navy divers and sonar systems ensured no underwater threats. Security was tightened along the banks and bridges, with buildings along the route thoroughly searched.
Investigations and Preliminary Findings
Preliminary investigations suggest that anarchists or extreme leftist groups may be responsible for the coordinated sabotage. The Paris public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation on charges including damage to property, potentially leading to severe penalties.
Widespread Travel Disruptions
French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete confirmed that several lines were targeted, resulting in serious traffic disruptions. Passengers at Gare Montparnasse and other major stations faced delays and confusion as services were canceled or rerouted.
One passenger, Maëliss Davy, shared her experience of a canceled trip to Nantes. She described the scene at Gare Montparnasse as filled with tired and impatient travelers seeking updates.
Eurostar and Airport Incidents
Eurostar trains between Paris and Lille were diverted to slower lines, while the Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport experienced a brief evacuation due to a bomb scare. Normal operations resumed shortly after.
Ongoing Security Concerns
Recent incidents, including the arrest of a Russian man suspected of planning disruptions during the Olympics and other terrorism-related arrests, have heightened security concerns in France.
Despite the rail network disruptions, the Paris Olympics opening ceremony proceeded as planned. For live updates and more information, stay tuned to our blog.