FRANCE: French rail network hit by ‘malicious acts’ ahead of Paris Olympics

France’s high-speed TGV rail network has been hit by “malicious acts”, disrupting some of the nation’s busiest lines on the day of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

“Arson attacks were started to damage our facilities,” said state-owned railway operator SNCF on Friday, stating that the “simultaneous malicious acts” had taken place overnight.

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The railway operator said many routes would have to be cancelled “at least all weekend while repairs are conducted”.

Arsonists had targeted installations along the lines connecting Paris with the country’s west, north and east. The southeastern line was not affected as “a malicious act was foiled”, it said.

Trains to neighbouring Belgium and to London under the English Channel were also affected.

Paris is preparing for the Olympics opening ceremony on Friday, with 7,500 athletes, 300,000 spectators and an audience of VIPs.

National police said authorities are investigating what happened.

It was not immediately clear whether the attacks were linked to the international sports event, but a source close to the investigation told the AFP news agency that the attacks were acts of “sabotage”. Advertisement

The attacks were “evidently coordinated”, the source said

Government officials denounced the incidents. “It’s completely appalling,” Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera told BFMTV. “To target the games is to target France.”

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