France’s high-speed rail network was targeted by “criminal” acts of vandalism just hours before the opening ceremony of the Olympics. The attacks, which included arson, disrupted travel to Paris from across France and Europe, with fires reported near the high-speed lines of Atlantique, Nord, and Est. German athletes on their way to Paris had to turn back due to the closures.
French officials condemned the attacks and launched a national investigation, with potential sentences of 15 to 20 years for the perpetrators. The incidents paralyzed several high-speed lines, causing chaos for travelers and forcing many to seek alternative transportation options. The French Prime Minister mobilized intelligence services to find the culprits and described the fires as “acts of sabotage.”
The attacks occurred amidst heightened security measures as Paris prepared for the 2024 Olympic Games. The disruptions affected not only travelers but also the transportation of athletes and delegations to competition sites. The French authorities were working to evaluate the impact and ensure the transport of all participants to the games.
SNCF, the national rail company, warned passengers to postpone their journeys and not go to the station, as they were unsure when traffic would resume. The disruptions were expected to last at least all weekend, affecting hundreds of thousands of travelers. The incident further heightened tension and uncertainty in the lead-up to the Olympics.
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