In brief
A passenger train operating between Rouen and Caen derailed near Cléon on Friday evening, raising questions of sabotage. French prosecutors found an unexplained rail fragment on the tracks, suggesting a potential malicious act. Of the 186 passengers, 44 required medical treatment, including an 18-year-old woman in critical condition. Emergency services, including 140 firefighters, responded rapidly to the scene. The train driver tested negative for drugs and alcohol.
Officials in northern France are investigating if the derailment of a passenger train on Friday evening was the result of "a malicious act".
Prosecutor Sébastien Gallois noted that a fragment of rail was found on the tracks, and its presence was deemed "unknown". The incident occurred on a train traveling between Rouen and Caen in Normandy, where local reports estimate 186 passengers were aboard.
A total of 44 people received medical treatment, including an 18‑year‑old woman who was airlifted to a hospital in a critical condition. Roughly 140 firefighters and other emergency teams were dispatched to the station near Cléon shortly before 8 p.m. local time.
Passenger Louis recounted, "Suddenly there were a few jolts, and then after about three seconds it got stronger and stronger," the train. "I couldn’t stay in my seat anymore. The windows partially shattered, the stones from the track came into the carriage. It was really shocking. I’m still shaking," he added.
The Rouen prosecutor’s office confirmed that the train driver tested negative for drugs and alcohol.
