The French National Railway Company (SNCF) faced a large-scale “malicious attack” on its high-speed train network late Thursday night, leading to significant disruptions just hours before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris.
In a statement, the SNCF announced that it would reroute some trains to traditional lines but would have to cancel many services across France.
The company warned that the disruption could persist throughout the weekend until necessary repairs are completed.
The SNCF described the attack as involving several simultaneous acts of sabotage, which began overnight with attempts to set deliberate fires to damage railway infrastructure.
The attacks affected the Atlantic, Northern, and Eastern lines, causing severe disruptions in these regions. However, the Southeastern line was largely unaffected due to the timely prevention of another potential act of sabotage.
The railway operator urged passengers to postpone their travel plans and avoid train stations during this period.
This disruption comes at a critical time as Paris gears up for the Olympic Games, which will see 7,500 athletes, 300,000 spectators, and a large number of VIPs converging on the city.
The Olympic Games are a significant event, not just for the sporting world but also for the host city, which is expected to see a surge in international visitors and media attention.
