The mood inside Paris’ Gare du Nord was tense and chaotic as crowds grew due to a series of sabotage attacks on France’s state-owned rail company SNCF. The attacks, which targeted signal boxes and electricity installations at crucial junctions on the high-speed TGV network, caused massive disruptions on one of the busiest days for the country’s rail system.
Passengers at Gare du Nord and Gare Montparnasse, two major rail hubs in Paris, were left stranded as trains to London, Brussels, and Amsterdam were delayed or canceled. The high-speed TGV network heading in and out of Paris was completely shut down, leaving travelers frustrated and uncertain about their journeys.
French authorities suspect the attacks were deliberate and coordinated, timed to cause maximum disruption on the day of the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony. Caretaker Prime Minister Gabriel Attal vowed to find and punish those responsible for the criminal acts, which have put a strain on the country’s transportation infrastructure.
While the motive behind the sabotage remains unclear, speculation has arisen about possible links to extremist groups or foreign entities. With security measures already heightened for the Olympics, the attacks have raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to sabotage.
As SNCF workers rush to repair the damage and restore normalcy to the rail network, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of ensuring security and safety during major events. The disruption caused by the attacks has not only inconvenienced travelers but also highlighted the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats.
