# Massive Attack on French Rail Network Brings Travel Chaos Ahead of Olympic Opening Ceremony
PARIS — Just hours before the highly anticipated opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Friday, a “massive attack” on France’s high-speed rail network has thrown travel plans into disarray for hundreds of thousands of passengers. Officials have confirmed that the incident has led to significant disruptions, prompting urgent responses from government authorities.
## Coordinated Arson Attacks
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced that the country’s intelligence services and law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the attacks. In a post on X, he warned that “the consequences for the rail network are massive and serious.” The national rail operator, SNCF, reported a series of “coordinated” arson attacks that have damaged multiple facilities and services. A potential attack on the LGV Sud-Est line, which connects Paris and Lyon, was reportedly thwarted.
## Impact on Passengers
SNCF estimates that at least 250,000 passengers will be affected on Friday alone, with projections indicating that around 800,000 could face disruptions over the weekend. The rail operator has advised travelers to postpone their plans and avoid train stations altogether.
SNCF Chairman and CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou revealed that fiber optic cables at three locations were set ablaze, impacting signal boxes and other critical rail infrastructure. The attacks appear to have been meticulously planned to maximize disruption.
## Legal Consequences
The Paris public prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into the attacks, with charges that could include damage to property likely to harm the fundamental interests of the nation. Such charges carry severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and fines exceeding €225,000 (approximately $244,200).
## Government Response
French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete echoed the seriousness of the situation, stating that “coordinated malicious acts” have targeted several lines, leading to significant traffic disruptions expected to last through the weekend. He noted that the incidents unfolded simultaneously, suggesting a deliberate and organized effort.
## Passenger Experiences
Passengers have expressed frustration and confusion as they navigate the chaos. Maëliss Davy, 23, had planned to travel from Paris to Nantes for a friend’s birthday but was met with delays and eventual cancellations. “Fortunately, I managed to book a train tomorrow morning,” she shared, but noted the overwhelming crowd at Gare Montparnasse, filled with anxious travelers seeking information.
NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel reported on the scene, describing a crowd of passengers at Gare Montparnasse who, while calm, were eager for updates regarding their disrupted journeys.
## Restoration Efforts
In the wake of the attacks, SNCF is working diligently to restore services. The company has assured passengers that all tickets will be exchangeable and refundable, with updates being communicated via text. By early afternoon, trains at Gare du Nord, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, appeared to be operating normally, with monitors displaying “on time” for many departures.
Eurostar has also announced that high-speed trains between Paris and Lille are being diverted to slower lines, with teams mobilized to assist affected passengers.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this unprecedented attack, the focus remains on ensuring safety and restoring normalcy ahead of the Olympic festivities.