Just hours before the start of the Paris Olympics 2024, France’s high-speed railway network suffered an arson attack, which officials described as deliberate “sabotage.” The fires disrupted the Atlantic, northern, and eastern rail lines, leading to widespread train cancellations and delays that impacted nearly 80,000 passengers during the busy summer travel season.
EuroAirport, located on the Franco-Swiss border, was temporarily evacuated due to a bomb threat but has since reopened and resumed flight operations. Basel-Mulhouse airport also experienced a temporary closure with passengers evacuated for “safety reasons.”
Jean-Pierre Farandou, CEO of SNCF, the national rail operator, told AFP that the attackers set fires in “conduits carrying multiple fibre optic cables that carry safety information for drivers.” He noted the complexity of the repair process, which involves manually fixing a large number of cables and requires hundreds of workers.
Officials reported significant damage, necessitating extensive repairs to restore service. Christophe Fanichet, Passenger Services Chief, stated that rail services between Paris and northern and eastern France faced delays of 90 minutes to two hours. “We ask people not to come to the station unless they hear from us, as their train will not be running,” Fanichet advised.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal confirmed to AFP that the sabotage acts were “coordinated and prepared,” causing severe disruptions to the rail network. Farandou mentioned that rail workers had spotted unauthorized individuals during routine maintenance in central France, who fled when police were alerted.
While one major railway line to France’s southeast was unaffected, train services between Paris and London were also cancelled.
The attacks occurred amidst heightened security in Paris ahead of the Olympics, which are expected to draw around 300,000 spectators, including numerous VIPs. The Olympic parade will feature nearly 7,500 athletes traveling six kilometers along the Seine in about 85 boats.
French officials condemned the attacks as “criminal actions,” stating that those responsible could face 15 to 20 years in prison. Sources informed AFP that authorities are investigating potential suspects, noting that the method resembled previous actions by far-left groups in France. However, officials have denied any direct connection between the attack and the Olympics.
France has previously reported attempts to disrupt the Games, including the arrest of a Russian man suspected of trying to destabilize the event. The Paris Olympics 2024 will be the first time a summer Olympics opens outside France’s main athletics stadium, a decision considered risky given the country’s heightened alert for terrorist threats.