In a series of coordinated arson attacks, France’s high-speed rail network was severely disrupted on Friday, July 26, causing nationwide travel chaos just as Paris prepares for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics. The attacks, which targeted signalling infrastructure, led to widespread train cancellations and delays, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers during a peak travel period. The perpetrators of these attacks remain unidentified, raising concerns about security as France gears up to host a global event.
The Attacks
The “deliberate fires” were set at three critical points in the rail network:
- Courtalain (Western France)
- Croisilles (Northern France)
- Pagny-Sur-Moselle (Eastern France)
According to SNCF, France’s national rail operator, the fires damaged vital signalling equipment, leading to significant disruption on the Atlantic, northern, and eastern lines. The attacks resulted in mass cancellations and delays, compounding the already heavy summer holiday traffic.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal described the incidents as “coordinated and prepared acts of sabotage.” SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou elaborated that the fires were set in conduits carrying multiple fibre-optic cables, which relay safety information to drivers and control the motors for points that change rails. The damage to these cables was extensive, requiring intensive manual repairs.
SNCF reported that around 800,000 passengers would be affected over the weekend, with 250,000 impacted on Friday alone. This period was particularly busy due to both the Olympics and the peak summer holiday season. The disruptions caused delays ranging from 90 minutes to two hours on services between Paris and the northern and eastern regions of France.
- Paris to London: High-speed rail operator Eurostar announced that one in four services across its network, including trains from Paris to London, would be cancelled. The remaining services would run slower on regular lines not designed for high-speed trains.
- Paris to Bordeaux and Atlantic Coast: Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete noted that one in three trains from Paris’s Montparnasse station were operational by Friday afternoon.
- Northern France: 80% of high-speed trains would run, but all services would experience delays.
Long-distance ride-sharing app Blablacar reported a 150% increase in reservations for Friday, reflecting passengers’ scramble for alternative travel options amid the rail chaos. Railway workers conducting night maintenance in central France spotted unauthorized individuals on site, who fled when police were alerted. These individuals were seen with vans, and incendiary devices were found at the scene, indicating a well-coordinated attack.
Prime Minister Attal condemned the attacks as an “obscene criminal attack” and highlighted the familiarity of the perpetrators with the rail network, suggesting an in-depth knowledge of where to strike. Transport Minister Vergriete confirmed the discovery of incendiary devices and reiterated the criminal nature of the acts.
France’s intelligence services are actively investigating the incidents to identify the perpetrators. A security source suggested that the arson method used resembled past attacks by extreme-left groups. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced the opening of a probe into suspected efforts to undermine “fundamental national interests,” focusing on the possibility of damage inflicted by an organized gang and targeting automated data processing systems. The investigation is being handled by criminal prosecutors, not anti-terrorism units.
The timing of the attacks, just days before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics, raises significant security concerns. The ability of the perpetrators to execute coordinated attacks on critical infrastructure highlights potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited during the high-profile event. Ensuring the safety and security of participants and spectators is now a top priority for French authorities.
The disruptions caused by the attacks have economic repercussions, particularly for the tourism and travel sectors. The cancellations and delays not only affect passengers but also have a ripple effect on businesses reliant on efficient rail transport. Additionally, the social impact is considerable, with families and individuals facing significant inconvenience during a peak travel period.
The attacks have prompted swift political responses, with calls for increased security measures and a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. The government is under pressure to reassure the public and international community of France’s capability to host the Olympics safely.
The arson attacks on France’s high-speed rail network represent a significant security breach with far-reaching implications. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s infrastructure, particularly with the impending 2024 Olympics. The resilience of the French rail system and the ability of authorities to address and prevent such threats will be crucial in the coming days and weeks.
The incidents have underscored the need for heightened vigilance and robust security measures to protect critical infrastructure from coordinated attacks. As France navigates this challenging period, the priority is to restore normalcy to the rail network and reassure the public and international community of its preparedness for the global event.
