Arsonists Attack Paris Railway System Bringing Delays Just Hours Before Opening Ceremony

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The Paris railway system is suffering major delays just hours before the Opening Ceremony is set to begin for the 2024 Olympic Games due to malicious attacks including arson. Approximately 800,000 travelers have been affected.

The attacks occurred outside of the main city center, preventing the railways from traveling into the city. The arsonists primarily set fires to the pipes that contain signaling cables for the system. The cables had to be cut as a result of the fires.

No injuries have been reported as of publishing.

SNCF a été victime cette nuit de plusieurs actes de malveillance concomitants touchant les LGV Atlantique, Nord & Est. Des incendies volontaires ont été déclenchés pour endommager nos installations.
La LGV Sud Est n’est pas touchée, un acte de malveillance a été déjoué.

— SNCF Réseau (@SNCFReseau) July 26, 2024

Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) tweeted saying “SNCF was the victim of several concurrent malicious acts affecting the LGV Atlantic, North & East. Arson attacks were started to damage our facilities. The South East LGV is not affected, a malicious act has been foiled.” Three attacks were carried out while the fourth on the South East LGV was prevented after agents scared off the suspects.

According to the SNCF, some trains have been diverted but a majority of the trains have been canceled.

The opening ceremony is set to go on as scheduled down the Seine River. The ceremony begins at 7:30 local time in Paris.