French rail company SNCF has issued a warning that the disruption caused by Friday’s sabotage on the country’s train network may extend until the end of the weekend, affecting hundreds of thousands more passengers. The coordinated arson attacks on three lines of the high-speed TGV network on Friday created chaos for travelers, just hours before the opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics. Fortunately, a fourth attack was thwarted by vigilant rail workers.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal condemned the attacks as “acts of sabotage.” The impact of the sabotage was felt beyond France, with about a quarter of international Eurostar trains being canceled, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer being among those affected.
In response to the attacks, SNCF mobilized thousands of rail workers to restore traffic on affected lines. The company announced that trains on the eastern line would run normally from 06:00 on Saturday, while 80% of trains on the northern line and 60% on the south-western line would be operational with delays of 1-2 hours.
Eurostar also anticipated disruptions, with about a fifth of services over the weekend expected to be canceled and all trains facing delays of around 1.5 hours. SNCF has increased surveillance of the rail network using 1,000 workers and 50 drones to ensure the safety and security of passengers.
Junior Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete estimated that around 250,000 people were affected on Friday, with up to 800,000 passengers potentially facing delays and cancellations by Monday. He suggested that the saboteurs’ main goal was to disrupt holiday travel rather than target the Olympic opening ceremony.
Authorities are actively investigating the attacks, with no group claiming responsibility yet. The sabotage involved cutting and setting fire to fiber optic cables crucial for the rail network’s safe operation. The attacks occurred at multiple locations, including Courtalain, Pagny-sur-Moselle, and Croisilles, with an attempted attack in Vergigny being foiled by vigilant SNCF workers.
Prosecutors have launched an investigation into the attacks, categorizing them as targeting “the fundamental interests of the nation.” Security forces are actively searching for those responsible for the sabotage, as the disruption continues to impact travelers across France and beyond.
