French Rail Network Disrupted By Sabotage On Olympic Opening Night

On the night of July 25-26, 2024, France’s national railway company, SNCF, was hit by a major attack that severely disrupted its high-speed TGV network. The sabotage caused significant delays and problems for trains across France, including those traveling to Belgium and London via the Channel Tunnel.

The attack coincided with the opening ceremony of the Olympics, a major event that was already considered a high-risk target. French authorities have launched an investigation, led by the national police, but details on the sabotage remain unclear.

SNCF reported that the affected lines were in western, northern, and eastern France. The company called the incidents “malicious acts” but did not specify how the sabotage was carried out.

Government officials condemned the disruptions, noting their impact just hours before the Olympic opening ceremony. While there is no confirmed link between the rail disruptions and the Games, French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra condemned the attacks, calling them “completely appalling” and stressing that targeting the Olympics is like targeting France itself.

The timing of the disruptions is particularly troubling as many French families were starting their summer vacations on the same day, increasing the strain on the already busy travel system.