As Paris gears up for the grand opening of the 2024 Olympics today, the city faces a significant disruption due to “malicious acts” targeting the rail network. Here’s what you need to know:
Massive rail network disruption
Paris’ rail services have been severely disrupted by what the government described as a “massive attack aimed at paralyzing the network” of France’s high-speed trains. This “sabotage” has affected over 800,000 passengers.
Targeted sabotage before Olympic opening
The coordinated attacks occurred just hours before the Olympic opening ceremony. French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete announced on X (formerly Twitter) that several TGV lines were targeted, causing severe disruptions expected to last through the weekend.
Fires and malicious acts
Jean-Pierre Farandou, head of the national rail company SNCF, revealed on BFM TV that fires were set at several rail-line nodes, with individuals fleeing the scenes in vans. SNCF confirmed that arson attacks damaged their facilities, particularly affecting the Atlantic, northern, and eastern lines.
SNCF has urged passengers to postpone their trips and avoid train stations. The network will require extensive repairs, cable by cable, to restore normal operations.
Eurostar services, especially those connecting Paris to London and Brussels, have also been impacted by the disruptions.
Heightened security in Paris
The disruptions come amid heightened security measures across Paris. Tens of thousands of police officers, including counter-terrorism units and the military, have been deployed to secure the city. Large sections of Paris have been cordoned off, with Olympic sites, train stations, and tourist landmarks under tight security.
Grand opening ceremony details
Despite the disruptions, the opening ceremony will proceed as planned. Up to 7,500 competitors will travel down a six-kilometer stretch of the river Seine on a flotilla of 85 boats, marking the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics.