Hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, French train company SNCF says its high-speed network has been targeted by “brutal actions” aimed at paralyzing the system.
Several high-speed TGV lines have been launched in the west, north and east of Paris and lines have formed at Montparnasse station serving areas west of the capital.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete strongly condemned the criminal acts which he said would disrupt people’s holiday plans.
Many trains have been canceled and SNCF has warned that the situation could last “at least the whole weekend while repairs are made”.
Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra described the attack as “very shocking”, adding that the impact on society and Olympic athletes is currently being assessed.
More than 300,000 spectators are expected in central Paris on Friday for the opening ceremony which will see thousands of Olympic athletes descend the Seine river.
SNCF said the fires were set to destroy its facilities.
A source close to the investigation told AFP news agency that the attack involved acts of “sabotage”.
While no one has admitted to targeting the high-speed network, there are bound to be concerns that it involves coordinated acts of sabotage.
Some high-speed services were transferred to other lines, resulting in collisions with other services.
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