Train derails in France and injures 44 as authorities investigate possible sabotage

A train derailment in north-west France, which injured 44 people, including one woman in critical condition, has led police to suspect sabotage, according to a police source. A fragment of rail was discovered on the track, prompting investigators to treat the possibility of a malicious act as the primary line of inquiry. The train, carrying 186 passengers, was traveling between the Normandy cities of Rouen and Caen when it derailed around 7:45 PM on Friday.

Emergency services, including 130 firefighters, five medical teams, and 80 vehicles, were deployed to respond to the incident. Rouen prosecutor Sebastien Gallois confirmed that 44 people were injured, with the gravely injured victim being an 18-year-old woman. Drug and alcohol tests on the train driver were negative. SNCF Reseau, the French rail network's controlling authority, announced that traffic on the line has been suspended and power to the tracks has been cut to enable emergency services to operate.