PARIS — French national rail operator SNCF reported it has completed repairs from Friday’s series of infrastructure tracks, with the high-speed TGV lines operating as planned today (Sunday, July 28) and full service anticipated for Monday.
Fiber-optic cables used for system used for signals and switches were cut or damaged in arson attacks at three locations early Friday in what SCNF officials called “large-scale attack aimed at paralyzing” the high-speed network [see “Investigators seek culprits …,” Trains News Wire, July 26, 2024]. An attack at a fourth location was thwarted by maintenance workers who happened to be at the site.
The company said about a quarter-million people were affected by the resulting cancellations and delays on Friday, which came not only on the day of the opening ceremonies for the Paris Olympics, but the Friday when many in France begin their summer holidays.
The BBC reports the LGB Nord line, target of an attack at Corisilles, had approximately 75% of its scheduled trains operating today, while the main western line was operating at near-normal levels.
“Tests have been conclusive and the train lines are now able to function as normal,” SNCF said in a statement reported by France 24. “There will be no more disruption from Monday onward.”
No group has claimed responsibility for an attack, although a message supporting it and criticizing the Olympics as “a celebration of nationalism” was received by several media outlets.
