French authorities are poised to deal with further attacks after the country’s high-speed national rail network was “paralysed” by saboteurs ahead of this evening’s opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
Acting French transport minister Patrice Vergriete said authorities are “preparing themselves” for other potential attacks after fires broke out at three points along France’s rail network in what he called an “outrageous criminal act”.
When asked whether France should fear “other attacks,” Mr Vergriete told TF1: “We are preparing for [other attacks]. We had no specific alert before these planned acts of malice and sabotage. Today we are on alert, so obviously we have mobilised all security forces, as well as drones, so today we have greatly increased our vigilance.”
Signals along the tracks were set on fire and cables cut and set alight in a series of “coordinated” strikes that have brought train services around the capital to standstill, sources close to the investigation said.
Mr Vergriete refused to speculate as to who is behind the sabotage, saying that the investigation was ongoing, though senior figures have already pointed the finger at hard-Left radicals and Russia, whose athletes have been barred from the opening ceremony. Israel, has suggested that Iran is responsible.
Despite one in four Eurostar trains being cancelled over the weekend, the French network is showing the early signs of recovery, with Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo insisting that the attack will have “no impact” on tonight’s opening ceremony.
Mr Vergriete said that rail engineers were making progress and that “traffic is starting to pick up again, and we should have one train out of three back this afternoon”.
3:30PM
Cables were burned and then cut, says French railway boss
Matthieu Chabanel, head of SNCF Réseau, which runs the infrastructure for France’s national state-owned railway, provided more details about the acts of sabotage, saying cables were burned and then cut.
“Fifty cables of 10 wires each makes 500 cables to reconnect linked to installations that are essential for safety, such as signalling,” he told Le Monde. “Several hundred people are currently working continuously to re-establish train circulation.”
“Our technical systems detected the sabotage at around 4am, which enabled them to manage in total safety the circulation of trains, notably by cancelling those likely to become blocked,” he added.
Rail teams were swiftly dispatched to “proceed with diagnostics and start repairs” that will likely go on all weekend at the very least.
3:24PM
Pictured: Passengers wait for departures at the Gare Montparnasse railway station in Paris
3:19PM
Starmer changes travel plans after French rail sabotage
Sir Keir Starmer had to change his travel plans after French rail networks were hit by what has been described as “coordinated acts of sabotage”.
A Downing Street spokesman said that Sir Keir was meant to travel on the Eurostar to Paris ahead of the Olympics opening ceremony, but flew to France instead due to the disruption.
The Prime Minister earlier said that we would not let the travel disruption “overshadow” the Olympic Games.
3:10PM
Attackers had ‘potential insider knowledge’, security boss suggests
Noah Price, G4S Academy International Director, said:
“Today’s sabotage of the French rail network demonstrates a critical vulnerability in infrastructure protection. The coordinated nature of these attacks, targeting multiple points simultaneously, indicates sophisticated planning and potentially insider knowledge.
“With the authorities focused on the centre of Paris, the culprits have found the path of least resistance, these incidents exploited traditional vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for comprehensive security approaches.
“This serves as a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant: this could be a diversionary tactic and there could be follow-up attacks.”
3:06PM
Your views: Telegraph readers on the French rail sabotage
2:54PM
Eurostar passengers unable to re-book train tickets for later today
A Eurostar passenger who found out his 4.31pm train was cancelled less than two hours ago, has given up on seeing tickets for a boxing event tomorrow.
Toby Morris was given the Olympic tickets by a friend as a gift – along with £250 tickets to Paris.
However Eurostar staff have told him he will not be able to get another train today.
Speaking to The Telegraph shortly before 2pm, Mr Morris said: “I saw a notification on my phone about an hour and a half ago, but then the live timetable wasn’t updated.
“I thought I’d come here to try my chances, but they’ve said I definitely can’t get on another train today – so I just won’t be able to go now.
“I was only ever going to go for this weekend.”
2:41PM
Railway unions condemn ‘blow to public service’ following network sabotage
Railway unions have condemned what they called a “blow” to national rail’s “public service” following the sabotage of installations on the high-speed train (TGV) network, which severely affected traffic.
In a joint statement, they said: “The CGT Cheminots, UNSA-Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail and CFDT Cheminots trade union federations condemn this blow to the SNCF public service and offer their full support to the railway workers mobilised to restore rail traffic as quickly as possible, as well as to the railway workers mobilised in stations and on trains to inform and guide users who have been severely affected.”
SNCF released footage of rail engineers repairing the damaged signal boxes and cables.
“Our teams are hard at work repairing the damage caused by arson in the signaling stations of the impacted LGV lines. Here in the Courtalain substation (28), the cables in each electrical cabinet are replaced and tested one by one,” it wrote in a post on Twitter.
Nos équipes sont à pied d’œuvre pour réparer les dégâts causés par les incendies volontaires dans les postes de signalisation des lignes LGV impactées.Ici dans le poste de Courtalain (28), les câbles de chaque armoire électrique sont remplacés et testés un par un. pic.twitter.com/UhjrfN3bpr
— SNCF Réseau (@SNCFReseau) July 26, 2024
2:33PM
Further Eurostar cancellations at St Pancras
A third train from St Pancras to Paris has been cancelled.
Two other services – the 7.01pm and 3.31pm were axed earlier this morning.
A sign at the London station has now confirmed the 4.31pm has also been cancelled.
2:29PM
SNCF: All tickets will be fully refunded
“All the train tickets” of the users concerned will be reimbursed “100 per cent”, an SNCF spokesman announced in a press briefing.
1:30PM
Pictured: Macron greets Argentine president amid travel chaos
1:28PM
Rail network showing signs of recovery, says transport minister
French transport minister Patrice Vergriete said: “Traffic is starting to pick up again, and I’d like to thank the SNCF Réseau staff who worked so hard this morning.
“It was really the Atlantic line that was affected. We should have one train out of three back this afternoon.”
1:23PM
Attacks will have ‘no impact’ on opening ceremony, says Paris mayor
The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has insisted that the attack on high-speed rail lines will have “no impact on the ceremony” to open the Olympic Games on Friday evening, “because it has no consequences for the transport network” in the Paris region.
“It’s sabotage”, the mayor told the press in Spanish, after a meeting with the King of Spain, Felipe VI. “What happened is unacceptable, but it won’t have any impact on tonight’s ceremony, because it won’t affect the transport network in the Île-de-France region”, she added.
1:21PM
Team GB fans fork out for taxis amid French train delays
After getting up at 4am to fly from Cork, Ireland, Mary McCarthy said she was “very annoyed” to find out about the one-hour and a half delay to her arrival time.
The retired teacher and her daughter had planned to travel by train from Gare du Nord to their accommodation at Center Parcs Paris.
However, the pair are now having to book a one-hour taxi ride from the station instead.
“I’m not sure how much it will cost, I’m hoping they won’t be more expensive because of the demand,” she told The Telegraph.
The equestrian fan – who is due to watch cross country eventing on Sunday – added: “It’s all out of Eurostar’s hands, so I wouldn’t have thought we would get compensation.”
1:15PM
All crisis scenarios have been thought through, insists French minister
French sports minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra said that “the impact” on the transportation of the delegations and “the athletes this weekend” was currently being assessed.
“What happened is neither the first nor the last of the difficulties we will encounter,” she said at the French delegation’s press conference at Club France, at La Villette in Paris.
“We still have to establish the precise intent. Let’s not be naïve: the timing of this suggests that it’s not all fortuitous. We’re not going to let ourselves be destabilised, we had anticipated all these scenarios”, she said. “All crisis scenarios have been thought through”, she added.
1:13PM
French authorities ‘preparing’ for further attacks
Acting French transport minister Patrice Vergriete said authorities are “preparing themselves” for other potential attacks.
He refused to speculate as to who might have been responsible for the sabotage, saying that the investigation was ongoing.
He said that rail engineers were making progress and that “traffic is starting to pick up again, and we should have one train out of three back this afternoon.”
1:11PM
Saboteurs struck rural targets by night to catch French authorities off-guard
Will Bolton, Crime correspondent
The saboteurs chose to avoid the heavily guarded French capital and instead struck rural targets in the middle of the night.
While hundreds of armed police officers, and soldiers patrolled the streets of Paris around 150km south-west of the capital a number of cables were apparently set alight in the commune of Courtalain.
The local community’s social media page posted a picture of burnt-out cables in a shallow gulley, with its protective SNCF paving stones discarded.
France’s state-owned rail company SNCF says the saboteurs either vandalised or tried to vandalise five signal boxes and electricity installations between 01:00 and 05:30 on Friday.
On Friday morning there were around a dozen SNCF workers at the site working under small tents to try and repair the damage.
The saboteurs, who have yet to claim responsibility, struck not just at Courtalain but at Pagny-sur-Moselle, a village outside the eastern city of Metz and Croisilles, not far from the northern city of Arras.
The targeted sites are small but are located at crucial junctions on the high-speed network, one SNCF worker in Courtalain told the Telegraph those responsible “knew what they were doing”.
Another attempted attack, on a TGV junction to the south-east of Paris at Vergigny, was foiled by SNCF workers who just happened to be carrying out maintenance on site in the early hours of Friday.
1:07PM
Don’t let disruption overshadow Games, says Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer has said we won’t let travel disruption “overshadow” the Olympics.
The Prime Minister will be in the French capital this evening for the opening ceremony, which has been plunged into chaos following a coordinated series of strikes on the country’s rail network.
Sire Keir’s spokesman said: “Obviously the situation is concerning, and like the statements you’ve seen from the French, it is also incredibly frustrating for people travelling to attend the Games and the Olympic ceremony.
“The Prime Minister would urge people to continue to follow the travel advice and the statements from the travel operators.
“The spokeswoman added: “Irrespective of this disruption, it is very clear that both in France, here and around the world, everyone is hugely excited and looking forward to what will be an incredibly successful Olympic Games, and we won’t let disruption overshadow that.”
12:56PM
Paris Olympics travel chaos – your questions answered
How many Eurostar services have been disrupted? Are Eurostar services definitely running? How is Eurostar contacting affected passengers?
Find the answers to all your transport questions in our Olympics travel guide here.
12:52PM
Watch: French railways sabotaged
12:36PM
French PM warns against jumping to conclusions
Acting prime minister Gabriel Attal warned against jumping to conclusions over who was behind the sabotage.
“The investigation is starting, and I would urge everyone to exercise caution. What we know, what we can see, is that this operation was prepared, coordinated, that key points were targeted, which shows a kind of knowledge of the network in order to know where to strike”, he said, assuring us that he could not “say more about the perpetrators or their motives” for the time being.
President Emmanuel Macron, questioned on the steps of the Elysée Palace, declined to comment.
12:29PM
British government in ‘close contact’ with French
Gareth Corfield, Transport correspondent
The British Government is in “close contact” with its French counterparts, it has confirmed.
A government spokesperson said: “We are in close contact with Eurostar and the French authorities regarding the disruption to the French rail network, which is affecting some Eurostar services with delays and cancellations.
“If you’re planning to travel today, please check ahead before leaving and follow operator and FCDO travel advice.”
12:26PM
Analysis: Attackers had good working knowledge of railway
By Chrisropher Jasper, Transport Industry editor
The nature of the attacks on the French TGV network suggests that the perpetrators had a good working knowledge of the railway and were most likely seeking to cause maximum disruption while avoiding any loss of human life.
The attacks came in the early hours, when no trains were running on the high-speed network, and were carried out in such a way that control centres would have become immediately aware of the damage and shut down the system.
Lineside equipment and signal boxes were among the apparatus targeted, with bundles of cables appearing to have been burned or severed.
Had the perpetrators struck during the morning rush and employed acts of sabotage that could not have been so easily detected remotely – such as parking vehicles across the line – the outcome might have been very different.
John Keefe, public affairs director at Eurotunnel owner Getlink, said that on the modern railway damage to signalling, overhead wires and other equipment is immediately obvious, generally allowing trains to be safely stopped.
There appears to have been no attempt to sabotage the Channel Tunnel, and Eurotunnel’s vehicle shuttles are unaffected by the disruption further south, he said.
Eurostar trains, which are running with delays of up to 1 ½ hours as they are forced to take slow lines into Paris, will be given priority as they return through the tunnel to St Pancras.
Lines leading to the capital from all directions were targeted, with routes from Lille in the north, Bordeaux in the west and Strasbourg disrupted, though an attack on the line from Marseille in the south was foiled.
12:23PM
One in four Eurostar trains cancelled over the weekend
One in four Eurostar trains will be cancelled on Friday and over the weekend following arson attacks on the French railway network.
In a statement, Eurostar said: “Due to co-ordinated malicious acts in France affecting the high-speed line between Paris and Lille, all high-speed trains going to and coming from Paris are being diverted via the classic line today, Friday July 26. This extends the journey time up to an hour and a half.
“Eurostar expects this situation will last until Monday morning.
“Today, Eurostar will cancel 25 per cent of its trains. It will also be the case on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28.”
Eurostar operates approximately 14 London to Paris services a day with a capacity of up to 894 passengers. Around 3.350 passengers are therefore expected to have their journeys cancelled as a result of the sabotage attacks.
12:17PM
Pictured: Passengers swarm ticket hall at Paris Gare du Nord
12:14PM
Team GB fans worry about transport once they arrive in Paris
In London, Team GB fans are growing concerned about transport in Paris once they arrive in the French capital.
Teacher Sandra Smith, 60, is booked on the 1.31pm train to Paris, which has been delayed by 75 minutes.
Ms Smith said: “My husband is working out there, so I booked tickets a couple of weeks ago to hopefully see some of the cycling.
“Seventy five minutes is fine, any longer than that will be a bit annoying.
“We are just a bit worried about what the transport will be like on the other side once we arrive.”
12:07PM
Israel blames Iran Olympic rail sabotage
Gareth Corfield, Transport Correspondent
Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, has suggested that Iran is at fault for the Olympic rail sabotage.
“The sabotage of railway infrastructure across France ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics was planned and executed under the influence of Iran’s axis of evil and radical Islam,” he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“As I warned my French counterpart Stéphane Séjourné this week, based on information held by Israel, Iranians are planning terrorist attacks against the Israeli delegation and all Olympic participants. Increased preventive measures must be taken to thwart their plot.
“The free world must stop Iran now – before it’s too late.”
The sabotage of railway infrastructure across France ahead of the @Paris2024 Olympics was planned and executed under the influence of Iran’s axis of evil and radical Islam. As I warned my French counterpart @steph_sejourne this week, based on information held by Israel, Iranians…
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) July 26, 2024
12:02PM
Basel Mulhouse airport re-opens after ‘bomb alert’
Basel Mulhouse airport, on the border of France and Switzerland, has re-opened after a “bomb alert” this morning caused it to be evacuated.
In the last few moments EuroAirport says it has re-opened and “flight operations are gradually restarting”.
It was unclear whether this morning’s alert related to a threat inside the terminal, on an aircraft or in the vicinity of the airport, or indeed if it was related to the attacks that have halted France’s rail network.
An Air France flight from Basel Mulhouse to Paris was placed on standby in response.
In a statement on Facebook, the airport said the terminal was closed for “safety reasons”, adding: “We regret this inconvenience – it is for the safety of passengers and employees.”
Passengers are being advised to check before they travel as a number of flights have been subjected to delays or cancellations.
11:52AM
Pictured: Passenger in Bordeaux despairs at train delays
11:48AM
Why Russia is prime suspect in massive Olympics sabotage
Russia will be the lead suspect in Friday morning’s attacks on the French rail network, as suspicions swirl that Vladimir Putin has been yearning for a chance to humiliate Emmanuel Macron, by James Rothwell.
French authorities had laid on a massive, high-tech security regime to defend the Olympics, with Reaper drones in the skies and AI-powered cameras on the ground to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.
But Friday’s attack suggests they paid far less attention to key rail routes, which were sabotaged by old-fashioned arson rather than cyber-attacks, according to the latest reports.
There have been five incidents of damage to the SNCF rail network, all of them targeting electronic or signalling boxes.
11:46AM
Eurostar tells passengers not to travel after arson attacks ahead of Paris Olympics
Eurostar has advised passengers not to travel following a spate of arson attacks on France’s high speed rail network.
High-speed trains around France were hit by several “coordinated acts of malice” on Friday that have heavily disrupted traffic on the day of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, Eurostar said in a statement.
Eurostar passengers have been told to “postpone” their trips, with trains diverted and 90-minute delays expected, after service was disrupted by acts of vandalism in France, affecting its overhead power supplies.
A statement on Eurostar’s website said: “Due to a problem with the overhead power supply in France today, we advise you to postpone your trip as your train is likely to be delayed due to infrastructure issues.”
11:32AM
Pictured: Rail network workers and police carry out investgations
11:29AM
Saboteurs ‘seek to damage our image’, says former French minister
Clément Beaune, the former French sports minister said: “Shame on the criminal saboteurs of our rail network who are seeking to destabilise our country, ruin the lives of the French people and damage our image.”
11:22AM
Paris prosecutors launch investigation
The Paris prosecutors said that an investigation has been launched into charges of “damaging property likely to harm the fundamental interests of the nation”, “damage and attempted damage by dangerous means in an organised gang”, “attacks on an automated data processing system in an organised gang” and “criminal conspiracy”.
It broke down the charges and sentences as follows:
- Damage to property likely to harm the fundamental interests of the nation, a crime punishable by fifteen years’ imprisonment and a fine of €225,000,
- Damage and attempted damage by dangerous means in an organised gang, a crime punishable by twenty years’ imprisonment and a fine of €150,000.
- Attacks on an automated data processing system in an organised gang, an offence punishable by ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of €300,000”.
- Criminal conspiracy to commit these crimes and offences, punishable by ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of €150,000”.
11:19AM
Mapped: The sabotage attacks that have ‘paralysed’ France’s rail network
11:15AM
Eurostar passengers fear missing Olympics events
At St Pancras Station this morning, two trains have been cancelled so far – while the arrival time of others could be delayed by as much as 90 minutes.
One traveller, who had been due to take the 3.31pm train, told The Telegraph, “I got told at about 9am the train was cancelled, but to be honest it’s worked out well for me, as they’ve booked me onto an earlier train for no extra cost.”
Emails sent to passengers advised them to postpone their trips if they can.
Options given includes cancelling a booking and demanding a refund, exchanging the booking for free travel at another time or date and cancelling and claiming an e-voucher.
However, many at the station were keen not to postpone, as they were travelling to see Olympic events later in the week.
11:10AM
Disruption to last whole weekend, SNCF boss says
Disruption to France’s trains will “certainly” last the whole weekend, a rail network chief has warned, threatening the travel plans of spectators for the opening events of the Olympic Games.
Jean-Pierre Farandou, the CEO of SNCF, told BFM TV: “It will certainly last the whole weekend, because it will take a long time to fix….it’s a day of sadness today.”
He added that the job of the railways is a public service, to transport people when they need it, and “today we can’t do it”.
11:06AM
‘I have full confidence in French authorities,’ says IOC President
IOC President Thomas Bach said he has “full confidence in the French authorities” in the wake of rail sabotage and hours before the opening ceremony down the Seine.
11:03AM
Eurostar cancels trains
Due to acts of vandalism affecting the high-speed line between Paris and Lille, all high-speed trains to and from Paris are being diverted via the classic line. Some trains have been cancelled, others are delayed. To see if your train is affected followhttps://t.co/rg0hFG14Wi
— Eurostar (@Eurostar) July 26, 2024
11:00AM
Pictured: French police patrol Paris railway station
10:57AM
Sabotage ‘bears hallmarks of far-Left’
The attacks on France’s rail network bears the hallmarks of the far-Left, an intelligence source has said.
All the intelligence services are being mobilised to determine the origin of these acts of sabotage, a security source told AFP. “The modus operandi – arson attacks on installations – resembles that used by the ultra-left in the past,” the source is cited as saying.
10:55AM
Saboteurs ‘set fire to railway communication cables’
According to SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou, the perpetrators set fire to the “gutters where many fibre optic cables” are laid. These transmit “safety information for drivers” and control “point machines” for operating railway turnouts remotely.
10:38AM
Russia could well be responsible for sabotage, says former ambassador
Jean de Gliniasty, former French ambassador to Moscow, said Russia could well be behind the sabotage.
“We are obviously in a situation of conflict with Russia, and Russia is obviously not going to do anything, and that’s an understatement, to help these Olympic Games be a success,” Mr de Gliniasty said.
“And so we’re going to come up against a lot of difficulties of this kind, either direct or indirect, because probably, I don’t know if the people who started the fire are manipulated, but it’s possible that they’re not really, and it’s quite easy to do,” he told LCI.
He added that far-Left radicals couldn’t be ruled out either. “There’s a tradition in France of black blocs, every time there’s a demonstration they destroy, they break things,” he said. “In fact, France has been facing these problems for several years now, and we haven’t managed to solve them. And so now, of course, it’s getting out of hand.”
10:36AM
French high speed trains delayed by two hours
Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, said that trains on the North and East routes were running 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours late, adding that transport plans would be “improved step by step”.
“You will be informed progressively by text message and email if your train is running or not in the next few hours. So we’re asking you not to come to the station, because if we haven’t warned you, it means that your train isn’t running”, he told passengers stranded at stations in Paris.
10:32AM
Pictured: Passengers hunker down amid delays in Paris
10:26AM
French IT security agency rules out cyberattack
The French National Agency for Information Systems Security (Anssi) denied the rail network had come under cyberattack.
“The traffic problems on the SNCF network are not the result of a cybersecurity incident”, confirmed the agency in charge of IT security for the Olympic Games.
The SNCF has already been the victim of this type of malicious act or sabotage in the past, notably in 2023 at Vaires-sur-Marne (Seine-et-Marne). The incident brought traffic to a halt at Gare de l’Est, and led the then transport minister Clément Beaune to pump €5 million into improving security around the lines and electrical substations.
“But we’ve probably never had to deal with such a large-scale, coordinated attack,” a member of SNCF management told Le Parisien.
10:23AM
Attacks are an ‘attempt to destabilise France’, says Paris council head
Paris regional council head Valérie Pécresse: said: “Clearly this attack is not a coincidence. This attack is an attempt to destablise France at a time when the Olympic and Para Olympic Games are about to be launched.”
“So our advice to all passengers who are supposed to take a fast train today is not to go to the station and to await advice that will be sent to them via text message.”
10:09AM
‘Probably large-scale sabotage’ – sports minister
Amélie Oudéa-Castera, France’s sports minister, has said the arson attacks on railway lines were likely part of “a large-scale sabotage” effort as she “extremely” condemned those behind it.
“It’s probably a large-scale sabotage,” she told Sky News, explaining that the “malicious acts” were “probably coordinated”.
Asked if the arson attacks were the work of Russia or of a terrorist group, Ms Oudéa-Castera responded: “Maybe”, before adding: “It could also be protesters – even French people.”
She said it was important that the “quality of the experience for the athletes” is not jeopardised by the chaos and claimed France had prepared for “all scenarios”.
10:00AM
Rail attacks were ‘premeditated, calculated, agreed’
The boss of national rail operator SNCF, Jean-Pierre Farandou, blamed “une bande d’illuminés” (a gang of lunatics), of irresponsible people” for the attacks without providing more details.
“We can assume that the attack was premeditated, calculated and agreed… because the places where the fires were set are at junctions,” said Mr Farandou.
9:57AM
‘Shame on the vandals’
France’s tourism minister, Olivia Gregoire, has said those responsible for the attacks should be ashamed of themselves.
In a statement on X, she wrote: “Shame on the vandals who are preventing many families from going on holiday, just a few hours before the opening ceremony of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
9:42AM
Transport minister: Railway attacks are ‘outrageous criminal act’
A “massive attack” against France’s high-speed TGV rail network was an “outrageous criminal act”, transport minister Patrice Vergriete said on Friday, hours ahead of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
There would be “very serious consequences” for rail traffic throughout the weekend with connections towards northern, eastern and northwestern France halved, Mr Vergriete added.
9:39AM
All Eurostar trains to and from Paris diverted via classic line
The Eurostar confirmed that all high-speed lines going to and from Paris will be diverted.
“Due to coordinated acts of malice in France, affecting the high-speed line between Paris and Lille, all high-speed trains going to and coming from Paris are being diverted via the classic line today Friday July 26,” A Eurostar spokesman said.
“This extends the journey time by around an hour-and-a-half. Several trains have been cancelled.
“Eurostar’s teams are fully mobilised in stations, in the call centres, and onboard to ensure that all passengers are informed and can reach their destination.”
The company said customers were being informed via email, text and on the Eurostar website.
“Any affected passengers can cancel or refund their tickets or modify their journey free of charge,” the statement added.
9:32AM
Five incidents of damage to train network
Five incidents of damage or attempted damage to the SNCF network took place between 1am and 5.30am, targeting electrical or signalling boxes, according to France Info, citing sources “close to the matter”.
Regarding delays and cancellations, transport minister Patrick Vergriete said that “one train in two to the east and north” is currently running and “one TGV in four to Bordeaux”.
“On the TGV Atlantique, the TGV Nord and the TGV Est, the arson attacks have had a direct impact on the high-speed lines. The TGVs have to take conventional lines, which means delays and cancellations,” he said.
9:28AM
All Eurostar trains to Gare du Nord disrupted
All Eurostar trains departing from and arriving at Gare du Nord in Paris have also been affected by this “massive attack”.
They are currently showing an hour’s delay on the company’s website.
SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Faranadou said the company would deploy a wide range of resources to support passengers and resolve any disruption as quickly as possible.
“Our duty is to mobilise. We’ll be there, thousands of railway workers will be mobilising to repair, to welcome customers and guide them, to think about the transport plan we’re going to make.”
He said that the celebrations of French people who had planned to travel to Paris for the Olympic Games had been “ruined”. He spoke of “800,000 customers affected”.
9:15AM
‘The French are under attack’
Jean-Pierre Faranadou, the chief executive of SNCF, said that “the French are under attack” and that the plans of thousands who had hoped to come to Paris for the Games had been “ruined”.
“Today, it’s the major (holiday) departures that are under attack, it’s a part of France that is under attack, it’s the French who are under attack,” he told BFMTV.
“It was also, of course, the inauguration of the opening of the Olympic Games, with many French people going up to Paris to enjoy a day or three to share in the joy of the Olympic Games. All that is ruined. But we’re not going to give up.
“We’re brave at SNCF France, we face up to the difficulties.
“It’s going to be a big job to fix this, but we’ll get back on our feet and you can count on us. Count on SNCF to mobilise, to minimise the impact on the French people of this massive assault on the high-speed line network.”
9:12AM
Passengers told to stay away from train stations
France’s national rail operator SNCF urged passengers to postpone their trips and stay away from train stations.
In Paris, Montparnasse, Gare du Nord (the London to Paris Eurostar terminal) and Gare de l’Est were heavily affected with the stations starting to fill up as trains were delayed or cancelled this morning.
“Fate is against us,” said Raphael, a passenger who had been waiting for his train at Montparnasse since 6am.
The attacks were launched as Paris prepares for the opening ceremony, with 7,500 athletes, 300,000 spectators and an audience of VIPs.
French sports minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera said the sabotage was clearly aimed at the Games.
“I really want to condemn in the strongest possible terms what is happening this morning, it’s absolutely appalling. To play against the Games is to play against France, against one’s camp, against one’s country,” she said.
“We’re going to assess the impact on travellers and athletes, and ensure that all the delegations are properly transported to the competition venues,” she added.
9:06AM
Pictured: Huge queues form in Paris
9:01AM
Eurostar diverts trains from Paris
Eurostar has diverted trains from Paris following a spate of arson attacks on France’s high speed rail network, writes Cameron Henderson.
High-speed trains around France were hit by several “malicious acts” on Friday that have heavily disrupted traffic on the day of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, according to the national rail company SNCF.
Eurostar passengers have now been told to expect 90-minute delays after the train service to Europe said it has been disrupted by acts of vandalism in France.
Passengers at St Pancras station were reportedly told that was a problem with the train service’s overhead power supplies.
A Eurostar spokesman said: “Due to coordinated acts of malice in France, affecting the high speed line between Paris and Lille, all high speed trains going to and coming from Paris are being diverted via the classic line today Friday 26 July.
“This extends the journey time by around an hour and a half.
“Several trains have been cancelled.”
8:57AM
250,000 train passengers affected by ‘deliberate attack’
Some 250,000 passengers have been affected by the “massive and coordinated attack”, according to Valérie Pécresse, head of the Paris regional council.
She confirmed that all four main TGV lines leaving Paris were targeted. “I am very grateful to the SNCF staff on the South-East line who managed to put the arsonists on the run,” she said.
Transport minister Patrice Vergriete said: “All the evidence we have suggests this was deliberate.”
“The simultaneous timings, the vans found with people who fled, particularly on the south-east side, the incendiary agents found on site,” he told BFMTV.
An investigation is underway, he confirmed, but “everything points to arson”.
The SNCF said for the entire weekend, “we estimate that around 800,000 passengers will be affected”.
8:52AM
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