Trains across France halted by coordinated arson attacks

A series of coordinated arson attacks on France's rail infrastructure caused significant disruptions on the opening day of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The state-owned rail company SNCF reported that the attacks led to delays and cancellations affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers, with some experiencing delays of up to two hours. Major train stations, including Gare de Montparnasse in Paris, were crowded with confused travelers seeking information about their disrupted journeys. Many passengers were forced to seek alternative transportation, with reports of car rentals being fully booked due to the high demand.

The attacks particularly impacted routes connecting Paris to other cities, including Lille, Tours, and Le Mans, while services to Lyon and the Alps remained largely unaffected. SNCF estimated that around 250,000 travelers were expected on the day of the attacks, with 800,000 anticipated over the weekend. Emergency repairs were initiated, allowing for a gradual resumption of some train services, although disruptions were expected to continue.

French government officials condemned the attacks, emphasizing their detrimental impact on holiday travel and expressing gratitude to SNCF staff for their efforts to restore service. While there was no immediate evidence linking the attacks directly to the Olympics, the incidents raised concerns about security and the overall experience for travelers during the games. Investigations into the attacks were ongoing as authorities worked to address the situation.