Written By Lisa Murimi
As the excitement built for the upcoming Paris Olympics, a shadow fell over the city as France’s high-speed rail network, run by SNCF, was hit by what officials called “malicious acts” on the eve of the games.
The sabotage targeted TGV lines connecting Paris to the west, north, and east, leading to frustrating delays and cancellations.
At Montparnasse station, a hub for western routes, long lines formed as passengers anxiously waited for information. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete denounced the “criminal acts,” recognizing the inconvenience caused to travelers heading off on holiday adventures.
Repair efforts were expected to continue through the weekend, impacting not just the public but also athletes and officials gearing up for the Olympics. Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra condemned the sabotage as “appalling,” noting the ongoing assessment of its effects on the games.
With the opening ceremony drawing near and the Seine River set to host a spectacular athlete parade, concerns mounted over the coordinated attacks, which involved fires at SNCF facilities.
While no group has claimed responsibility, the disruptions rattled the city as it prepared for a major moment in its history.
