France’s high-speed rail network was hit by widespread “criminal” vandalism, including arson, on Friday, paralyzing travel into Paris from across France and Europe, just hours before the Olympic Games opening ceremony.
French authorities described the attack as a “criminal act” and said they were investigating whether it had links to the Olympics.
With the world’s attention focused on Paris, officials said 250,000 people were caught up in the chaos on Friday alone, with protests expected to continue into the weekend or longer.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergliette described seeing people fleeing the fire and incendiary devices.
“Everything indicates that these were criminal arson,” he said.
The accident had paralysed several high-speed rail services connecting Paris with the rest of France and neighbouring countries, Bergriete told BFM television.
The attack came against a backdrop of global tensions and heightened security measures as the city prepares to host the 2024 Olympics.
Many travellers were due to flock to the capital for the opening ceremony, and many holidaymakers were also in transit.
Three fires were reported near the tracks of the Atlantique, Nord and Oriental high-speed lines as Paris authorities prepared for a spectacular parade along the Seine amid stepped-up security.
The chaos particularly affected Paris’ main train station, Gare Montparnasse.
Videos posted on social networks showed the station’s halls packed with tourists.
Paris police chief Laurent Nunez told France Info television that his department had “concentrated resources in Paris train stations” after the “major attack” that paralyzed the TGV high-speed rail network.
At Gare du Nord, one of Europe’s busiest train stations, many passengers were searching for answers and solutions on Friday morning.
Attention was focused on central noticeboards as most services to northern France, Belgium and the UK were delayed.
“This is the worst way to start the Olympics,” said Sarah Moseley, 42, who discovered her train to London was an hour delayed.
“There should be more information for tourists, especially in the case of malicious attacks,” said Corey Grainger, a 37-year-old Australian sales manager on his way to London, taking a break in the middle of the station with two suitcases.
What France’s national railway company, SNCF, called “a series of coordinated overnight incidents” affected traffic between London and neighbouring Belgium, which lies under the English Channel, as well as western, northern and eastern France.
Government officials condemned the actions but said there was no immediate indication they were directly linked to the Olympics.
National police said authorities were investigating the incident. French media reported a large fire broke out on a busy western road.
Sports Minister Amélie Oudea Castella said authorities were working to “assess the impact on travellers and athletes and ensure the transport of all delegations to the competition venues” of the Olympics.
“When you are against the Olympics you are against France, you are against your side and you are against your country,” she added on BFM television. She did not say who was behind the vandalism.
Passengers at London’s St Pancras station were warned to expect delays to Eurostar services of around an hour.
In the departures lounge of the international terminal, travelers bound for Paris were informed there was a problem with the overhead power.
SNCF said it was unclear when services would resume and feared the disruptions would continue “at least through the weekend.” SNCF teams were “already on scene and have started diagnosis and repairs,” but “the situation will likely continue at least through the weekend while repairs are carried out,” the company said.
In a press release, SNCF clarified that all tickets are exchangeable and refundable, and advised “all passengers to postpone their journey and not go to train stations.”
“Today, 250,000 travellers will be affected on all these lines,” said Valérie Pécresse, president of the Paris Metropolitan Regional Council. While alternative plans are underway, Pécresse urged travellers “not to go to the stations.”
The incident occurred ahead of the opening ceremony scheduled for late Friday, which will see 7,000 Olympians float down the Seine past some of Paris’ iconic landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.
