Sabotage Investigation Underway in France
French authorities have launched an investigation into potential sabotage following a train derailment in Normandy that left 44 people injured on Friday evening. The regional train, carrying approximately 180 passengers, was traveling between Rouen and Caen when it derailed near the municipalities of Cleon and Tourville-la-Riviere, according to DW and CBS News.
Police reported that a piece of rail was discovered on the tracks at the site, which they believe is likely linked to the derailment. A spokesperson for the French national police communications service (SICOP) confirmed that investigators are working to determine whether the obstruction was placed there intentionally. Rouen prosecutor Sebastien Gallois stated that the circumstances surrounding the object’s presence remain under investigation.
Among the injured, an 18-year-old woman remains in critical condition and was transported by helicopter to Rouen University Hospital. Cleon Mayor Melanie Delacour described the scene as distressing, noting that the impact caused windows to shatter and debris to enter the carriages. Approximately 140 firefighters were deployed to the scene to assist with the emergency response. The French rail network operator, SNCF Reseau, has suspended traffic on the affected line to prioritize passenger care and restore safe operating conditions.
Vermont Rail Car Incident Resolved
In a separate incident on the same day, a rail car carrying liquefied propane derailed in Rutland, Vermont. Vermont State Police confirmed that the car rolled over near the Park Street rail crossing on Friday evening, but verified that there were no leaks or compromises to the tank’s integrity, ensuring no threat to public health or the environment, according to WCAX.
Local emergency teams, including the Vermont State Hazmat Team and the Rutland City Fire Department, remained on the scene through Saturday morning to support Vermont Rail System crews in re-railing the car. While the incident resulted in traffic disruptions and the postponement of a local ‘2X Monster Trucks’ event, authorities reported no injuries. Residents were urged to avoid the vicinity to allow recovery crews space to operate.