Paris Olympics update: Arson attacks disrupt France’s high-speed trains; travel chaos erupts before opening ceremony

France’s high-speed rail network, operated by SNCF, has been severely disrupted by a series of coordinated arson attacks, causing significant travel chaos just hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. The attacks are impacting trains heading East, North, and West of Paris, and travelers have been asked to postpone their plans.

The state-owned SNCF confirmed that the malicious acts involved cutting and burning crucial cables.

“This is a massive attack on a large scale to paralyse the TGV network,” an SNCF spokesperson told Agence France-Presse. “Many routes will have to be cancelled, and the situation will last at least all weekend while repairs are conducted.”

Approximately 800,000 travelers, including holiday makers and those attending the Games, have been impacted. Eurostar services from London to Paris have also faced cancellations and delays due to the sabotage. The attacks have led to diversions and severe delays on high-speed trains traveling between Paris and other major cities.

Eurostar also reports that “all high-speed trains to and from Paris are being diverted via the classic line. Some trains have been canceled, other are diverted.” The network directed passengers to its website to check for disruption.

Attack condemned, investigation launched

French officials have condemned the attacks as a deliberate attempt to disrupt the Olympic Games. Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra called the vandalism “completely appalling,” emphasizing that targeting the Games is essentially targeting France itself.

Valérie Pécresse, head of the Île-de-France region, stated, “Clearly this attack is not a coincidence; it aimed to destabilise France at the moment the Olympic and Paralympic games are launched.”

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal urged caution, stating, “The investigation is starting. What we know, what we see, is that this operation was prepared, coordinated, that nerve centers were targeted, which shows a certain knowledge of the network to know where to strike.”

He declined to speculate on the perpetrators but noted the sophisticated nature of the attacks.

Security measures

The attacks took place despite France having stepped up its security measures in Paris, deploying 45,000 police officers, 10,000 soldiers, and 2,000 private security agents for the Olympic opening ceremony. Despite these efforts, the high-speed rail disruptions have added to the logistical challenges faced by attendees and travelers.

This story is developing…