SNCF under attack

[niemeyjt]

France’s train network sabotaged in ‘massive arson attack’ hours ahead of Olympics opening ceremony

France’s high-speed rail network has been hit by “malicious acts” including arson attacks that have disrupted the transport system, train operator SNCF said on Friday, hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

“This is a massive attack on a large scale to paralyse the TGV network,” SNCF told AFP, adding that many routes will have to be cancelled and the situation would last “at least all weekend while repairs are conducted”.

“SNCF was the victim of several simultaneous malicious acts overnight,” the national train operator said, adding that the attacks affected its Atlantic, northern and eastern lines.

“Arson attacks were started to damage our facilities,” it said, adding that traffic on the affected lines was “heavily disrupted”.

Trains were being diverted to different tracks “but we will have to cancel a large number of them”, the statement said.

The southeastern line was not affected as “a malicious act was foiled”.

SNCF urged passengers to postpone their trips and stay away from train stations.

The attacks were launched as Paris prepares for the opening ceremony, with 7,500 athletes, 300,000 spectators and an audience of VIPs due to attend.

This is a breaking news story and is being updated

Russia?

[Blaze]

And it was announced a couple of days ago that France would host the 2030 winter Olympics .....

Think of the poor devils who use the train for getting to work, getting home ... We met a Parisian the other night who said he had fled Paris for the summer because of the Olympics but was in the fortunate position of being able to work from home. I can't imagine what it must be like for people living and working in the capital who just want to carry on their daily lives.

[Lori]

Yes, our daughter's train was the last not to be impacted by these problems. Her's made it out of Paris to arrive on time chez nous. All after it, were heavily delayed or cancelled. Hopefully, they will get things in order as I doubt this will be the last attack.

[Bayleaf]

I think this JO will possibly be the subject of more attacks/trouble unfortunately. Aside from threats of strikes by dansers for the opening ceremony, there are many other issues going on too. Is Israel competing? Russia? A Dutch convicted child rapist is being allowed to compete. Protestors against the (wasteful?) cost of the event, protestors against the pollution it brings. Take your pick.

[niemeyjt]

Well at least they don't seem to have allowed Lea Thomas and her ilk to compete - that would have made a total mockery.

[Hotrodder]

Stay home folks. I'm sure it will all be on the box anyway, and the food and drink will be cheaper.

[Bayleaf]

Came back from my early morning rounds this morning to find a bottle of Pimms on the doorstep - some clients delivered it before they dash off home again tomorrow.

Sorted!

[Hotrodder]

Nice neighbours indeed.

[Niftyons]

Came back from my early morning rounds this morning to find a bottle of Pimms on the doorstep - some clients delivered it before they dash off home again tomorrow.

Sorted!

What cup size?

[Spectrum]

Came back from my early morning rounds this morning to find a bottle of Pimms on the doorstep - some clients delivered it before they dash off home again tomorrow.

Sorted!

What cup size?

What cup number I think you mean, I think there was four but it soon dropped just to one, it was one of my dads favourite afternoon tipple. As a little kid I wasn't sure if he should drink it or plant it.