Train derails in northwest France, 44 injured

A train carrying 186 passengers derailed in northwest France on Friday, injuring 44 people, one of them critically, officials revealed. The incident occurred around 7:45 pm as the train traveled between the Normandy cities of Rouen and Caen. Transport minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed the derailment via social media platform X. Initial reports indicated that the train experienced a few minor shakes before the impact intensified over a span of three seconds.

Witness Louis, 24, recounted that the windows partially shattered and stones from the track entered the carriage, leaving him visibly shaken. Rouen prosecutor Sebastien Gallois reported that 44 individuals were hurt, including an 18-year-old girl who was evacuated in a critical condition. Drug and alcohol tests on the train driver yielded negative results.

A mass-casualty response plan was promptly activated, mobilizing 130 firefighters, five medical teams, and 80 vehicles to the scene. SNCF Reseau, the entity managing the French rail network, announced that train traffic on the affected line has been halted, and power to the tracks has been disconnected to facilitate emergency operations.

The priority remains providing care for the injured passengers, followed by restoring safe operating conditions. Rail authorities and police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.