Before the start of the Olympics

France: “Massive attack” on express train network

The French railroads speak of an "act of vandalism".(Bild: APA/AFP/Ian LANGSDON)

Shortly before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris, France is shaken by a "massive attack" on the high-speed train network. According to the French transport minister, the evidence points to arson. 

The celebratory mood is currently being dampened: since 5:15 a.m., the host country has been experiencing considerable problems with the high-speed train network - and causing chaos in traffic, which is particularly heavy due to the Olympic Games.

The state railroad company SNCF announced on Friday that arsonists had deliberately set fire to installations along the high-speed lines that connect the capital with the west, north and east of the country. The attacks were carried out during the night.

The French railroads are calling it an "act of vandalism".(Bild: APA/AFP/Ian LANGSDON)

There is chaos at the stations.(Bild: APA/AFP/Thibaud MORITZ)

Problems probably only under control after days
Numerous rail connections with the TGV high-speed trains had to be canceled, the SNCF railroad company told the AFP news agency. The Eurostar, which connects London with the continent via the English Channel, is also affected by the cancellations.

The company is appealing to passengers to postpone travel and stay away from the stations.

800,000 passengers are affected by the restrictions! According to SNCF estimates, the situation is unlikely to improve over the weekend. From today's perspective, traffic is not expected to return to normal until Monday. 

Targeting the Games means targeting France.

Sportministerin Amelie Oudea-Castera

Sports minister speaks of "sabotage"
According to the French daily newspaper "Le Monde", there have been several arson attacks. According to the paper, another attack on the south-east connections was prevented. 

The acting sports minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera assumes that there was some kind of coordinated sabotage, as she revealed to the BFMTV channel after initial analyses. "This is absolutely appalling," she said, expressing her shock. "Targeting the Games means targeting France."

Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete also spoke of "coordinated malicious actions against several TGV lines": "Everything points to the fact that these were deliberate actions. The evidence points to arson."

120 heads of state and government are expected
The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games will take place in Paris on Friday evening. An enormous number of spectators are expected in the metropolis for the pompous ceremony along the Seine. The organizers are expecting around 300,000 people on the banks. Around 120 heads of state and government as well as representatives are expected to be present at the opening ceremony.

The unique event will be secured by around 45,000 security personnel. The airspace within a radius of 150 kilometers around Paris will be closed for the evening. The areas of the Seine where the parade takes place will be closed to car traffic.