French police suspect train derailment was sabotage

A train derailment near Renault's factory in Cleon, France, has left 44 people injured, with one in critical condition. French police suspect this incident may be the result of sabotage. A fragment of rail was discovered on the tracks, leading investigators to treat the possibility of a malicious act as the primary line of inquiry.

The train, carrying 186 passengers, was traveling between Rouen and Caen when it derailed around 7:45 PM on Friday near Cleon. Emergency services, including 130 firefighters, five medical teams, and 80 vehicles, were deployed to the scene. An AFP photographer witnessed a large group of railway staff working around the train on Saturday morning.

Rouen prosecutor Sebastien Gallois confirmed that 44 individuals were injured, including an 18-year-old woman evacuated in critical condition. Tests for drugs and alcohol in the train driver came back negative. Passenger Louis, 24, described the incident, stating that there were sudden jolts, followed by a stronger shaking that lasted for three seconds.

The windows partially shattered, and stones from the track entered the carriage, causing shock and stillness among those aboard. SNCF Reseau, responsible for the French rail network, announced major disruptions to rail traffic between Rouen and Caen, as well as between Caen and Le Havre, in both directions. Services have since resumed, with buses provided as replacements on the Rouen-Caen line.

A replacement bus service has been set up, and the train will only be removed once the public prosecutor permits it, as investigations into the cause of the derailment continue. SNCF has pledged full cooperation and transparency in the inquiry.