Hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, French rail company SNCF reported that its high-speed network has been targeted by “malicious acts” aimed at disrupting the system.
Several high-speed TGV lines to the west, north, and east of Paris have been affected, causing long queues at Montparnasse station, which serves destinations to the west of the capital.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete strongly condemned these “criminal acts,” which he said would impact people’s holiday plans.
Numerous train cancellations have occurred, and SNCF has warned that the disruption could continue “at least all weekend while repairs are underway.”
Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra described the attacks as “downright appalling” and noted that the effects on the public and Olympic athletes are currently being assessed.
With over 300,000 spectators expected in central Paris on Friday for an opening ceremony featuring thousands of Olympic athletes sailing down the River Seine, SNCF reported that fires had been deliberately set to damage its facilities.
A source close to the investigation informed AFP that the attacks involved acts of “sabotage.”
While no one has claimed responsibility for targeting the high-speed network, there are concerns that these may be coordinated acts of vandalism.
Some high-speed services have been rerouted onto other lines, causing a cascading effect on other services.