Massive rail disruption strikes France on Olympics opening day, authorities suggest sabotage
Photo: A railroad sabotage in France on the first day of the Olympics (Getty Images)
France faces a large-scale railroad disruption on the day the Olympic Games begin. The French authorities suggest a possible sabotage, according to BFMTV.
The French railroad operator SNCF said that on July 26 night, unknowns committed a series of simultaneous deliberate damages in different places. Three high-speed lines were damaged - north, east, and towards the Atlantic Ocean.
The failure of the railroad could disrupt the plans of 800,000 passengers.
Passengers have been posting photos of crowded train stations in Paris and other cities after train traffic was almost stopped. Residents of France were urged not to plan trips until July 29.
The French government says it does not rule out sabotage. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete said an investigation has been launched. According to him, everything points to malicious arson.
The head of the capital region, Valérie Pécresse, called the disruption a “massive coordinated attack.”
Acting French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal called the damage an act of sabotage, the consequences of which are “large-scale and serious.”
2024 Olympics
Today, July 26, the 2024 Olympics officially starts in France. The opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics will take place in Paris.
Ukraine will be represented at the Olympics. Tennis player Elina Svitolina and swimmer Mykhailo Romanchuk have been chosen as flag bearers for the opening ceremony.
Read more about the Olympics and the opening ceremony in RBC-Ukraine's article.
