Just hours before the highly anticipated opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, vandals set fire to several high-speed rail lines, causing widespread disruption across France. The attacks occurred early on July 26, affecting thousands of commuters and tourists traveling to the capital for the event.
The targeted sabotage primarily hit the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) network, renowned for its efficiency and speed, connecting major cities across France and Europe. The incidents resulted in significant delays and cancellations, stranding many travelers who had planned to attend the opening festivities.
France's high-speed train network was hit with a series of coordinated actions that brought major disruption to some of the country's busiest rail lines ahead of the #Paris2024 Olympics opening ceremony https://t.co/wQcvWz9uEr pic.twitter.com/3e7z29F1BF
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 26, 2024
Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to identify and apprehend the culprits. The motive behind these coordinated attacks remains unclear, but officials suspect it could be linked to political dissent or attempts to undermine the Olympics, a major international event bringing together athletes and spectators from around the world.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the acts of vandalism, labeling them as "an attack on national infrastructure and an attempt to disrupt a moment of unity and celebration for our country." He assured the public that security measures would be heightened to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of the ongoing Olympic events.
BREAKING: Two trains carrying athletes to the Paris Olympics have been stopped
Paris Olympics latest 🇫🇷 ➡️ https://t.co/SjktOdN8uy
đź“ş Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/EFiDaIPd2N
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 26, 2024
The French National Railway Company (SNCF) reported that emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the affected areas to assess and repair the damage. Despite their efforts, the disruption was substantial, affecting several key routes including those between Paris and other major cities like Lyon and Bordeaux. The high-speed TGV trains, which operate at speeds up to 320 km/h (199 mph), are a critical part of France's transportation infrastructure, making the impact of these attacks particularly severe.
Passengers expressed frustration and concern over the delays. Many had to seek alternative transportation or were forced to miss the opening ceremony altogether. One traveler remarked, "It's disappointing and frustrating. We came to celebrate the Olympics and now our plans are in chaos."
The Paris 2024 Olympic Committee reassured attendees that all necessary precautions were being taken to maintain security and minimize further disruptions. The opening ceremony, held along the River Seine, proceeded as scheduled, showcasing France's cultural heritage and marking the official start of the Games.
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the challenges faced in securing large-scale international events. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the Olympic Games, which run from July 26 to August 11.
