Acts of sabotage: Olympic Games in Paris under threat after arson attack on France’s railway network
27 july 2024 в 04:02
Several hours before the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, on Friday, July 26, according to numerous sources, the entire railway network of France was sabotaged as a result of arson. The high-speed railway system was disrupted, leading to the blockade of thousands of people, including athletes.
Arsonists, according to The New York Post, set cables on fire at three different locations around 4 am local time. Major lines connecting Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg to Paris were paralyzed, and a fourth line between Paris and Marseille also faced potential issues.
At least 250,000 train passengers suffered from the disruption of the system.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal noted that the attacks were «acts of sabotage» and were «prepared and coordinated». Furthermore, Attal stated that the arsonists had a «clear goal», - which was to «block the high-speed railway network» just before the start of the Olympics.
However, no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks on the railway system.
Work crews are assessing the problem since the disruption of train services. Meanwhile, the opening ceremony of the Olympics has already begun, as several athletes from different countries arrived by boats through the Seine.
Acting French Minister of Transport Patris Vergriet called the disruption of railway traffic a «shocking criminal act» and noted that security services are «prepared» for possible further attacks.
«We did not have specific warning before these planned acts of malice and sabotage», - Vergriet said, according to The New York Post. «Today we are on alert, so obviously we have mobilized all security forces, as well as drones, so today we have significantly increased our vigilance».
Large crowds of passengers were seen at several railway stations throughout France. Several affected travelers spoke out about their experience in other sources. One woman named Margarita told CNN that she didn’t know where to go because of the chaos.
«I was only here to transfer to another train», - said the 24-year-old teacher. «I'm trying to call friends to find out where I can stay tonight… We are stuck here»
Arsonists, according to The New York Post, set cables on fire at three different locations around 4 am local time. Major lines connecting Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg to Paris were paralyzed, and a fourth line between Paris and Marseille also faced potential issues.
At least 250,000 train passengers suffered from the disruption of the system.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal noted that the attacks were «acts of sabotage» and were «prepared and coordinated». Furthermore, Attal stated that the arsonists had a «clear goal», - which was to «block the high-speed railway network» just before the start of the Olympics.
However, no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks on the railway system.
Work crews are assessing the problem since the disruption of train services. Meanwhile, the opening ceremony of the Olympics has already begun, as several athletes from different countries arrived by boats through the Seine.
Acting French Minister of Transport Patris Vergriet called the disruption of railway traffic a «shocking criminal act» and noted that security services are «prepared» for possible further attacks.
«We did not have specific warning before these planned acts of malice and sabotage», - Vergriet said, according to The New York Post. «Today we are on alert, so obviously we have mobilized all security forces, as well as drones, so today we have significantly increased our vigilance».
Large crowds of passengers were seen at several railway stations throughout France. Several affected travelers spoke out about their experience in other sources. One woman named Margarita told CNN that she didn’t know where to go because of the chaos.
«I was only here to transfer to another train», - said the 24-year-old teacher. «I'm trying to call friends to find out where I can stay tonight… We are stuck here»
© Artemenko Olga
