France’s high-speed rail system experienced a major disruption following a series of coordinated acts of vandalism as the Paris Olympics were underway. These were deliberate attacks that aimed at certain installations, causing extensive delays and cancellations on some of the nation’s busiest rail corridors to cities like Lille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg and others in the same category. The state-owned railway operator, SNCF, claimed that it was an arson attack meant to damage highly important infrastructures asking travelers to wait for normalcy before traveling.
These incidents have raised security concerns as France undertakes its biggest ever peacetime security operation for the Olympic Games involving 45,000 policemen, 10,000 soldiers and 2,000 private guards. At the same time however, this will only complicate efforts by French authorities to secure athletes and participants in general during this time.
Q: What happened to France’s high-speed rail network?
A: Vandals targeted France’s high-speed TGV network with a series of coordinated arson attacks that disrupted major rail lines connecting Paris to other cities such as Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg. There were massive delays and cancellations after these incidents took place.
Q: How extensive is the disruption caused by these vandalism acts?
A: Trains are being turned around at their points of departure while travellers are requested by SNCF not to travel. Repairs are in progress but traffic is expected to be significantly affected until at least Sunday night reception.
Q: What measures are being taken to address the damage?
A: Some installations have been repaired by SNCF in addition there are alternative tracks where trains have been rerouted. However many routes have been cancelled so regular services will not resume sooner than Monday July 29th.
Q: Was there any immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks?
A: No claim has been made yet concerning these actions which seem not politically motivated.
Q: How has the government responded to these acts of vandalism?
A: This is a crime, stated Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete. Laurent Nunez, Paris police chief announced that security at the main stations in the capital would be increased. And Amélie Oudéa-Castera, Sports Minister, condemned this action in relation to how it is an attack against France’s identity as a nation.
Q: How has this affected passengers and athletes travelling for the Olympics?
A: Travellers have been delayed significantly including athletes. For example, Corinne Lecocq, who was heading to Strasbourg, said her train was cancelled so she would take another one which moves slowly. Operational teams are ensuring transportation of all delegations to the competition sites.
Q: What security measures are in place for the Paris Olympics?
A: France has put in place its biggest peacetime Olympic security operation with over 45 000 policemen involved, as well as 10 000 soldiers and 2 000 private guards. Some additional measures include snipers on rooftops and drones patrolling overhead for safety reasons during games.
Q: What impact did the vandalism have on specific train routes?
A: The Atlantic line was also hit by two fires while there were riots on Eastern Line. However due to a planned sabotage attempt nothing happened to Southeastern lines. Where trains were not operating because of attempts failed by criminals.
Q: What is the general public and official reaction to these actions?
A: Sentiment is one of condemnation and frustration. For instance, Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera called the vandalism “completely appalling,”. While SNCF said that the attacks were a “massive attack on a large scale to paralyze the TGV network.” The passengers expressed their irritation and disappointment for disturbance especially at such time when Olympic games are underway.
