Hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, French rail company SNCF said its high-speed rail network had been targeted in a “malicious act” aimed at paralysing the system.
Several high-speed TGV lines run to the west, north and east of Paris, with queues forming at the Gare Montparnasse station, which serves destinations in the western part of the capital.
Transport Minister Patrice Bergriette strongly condemned the “criminal actions” that could affect people’s holiday plans.
Several trains were cancelled, with SNCF warning the situation could last “at least through the weekend while repairs are carried out”.
Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera described the attack as “absolutely appalling”, adding that she was currently assessing its impact on the public and Olympic athletes.
More than 300,000 spectators are expected to attend the opening ceremony in central Paris on Friday, which will see thousands of Olympic athletes sail down the Seine River.
SNCF said the fire was started to damage the facility.
A source close to the investigation told AFP the attack included “destruction”.
Although no one has admitted to targeting high-speed networks, concerns inevitably arise that coordinated sabotage was involved.
Some high-speed rail services are being diverted to other routes, with knock-on effects on other services.
