Regional express derails on Rouen-Caen line

Police say part of track was deliberately removed

A regional express train running between Rouen and Caen is seen derailed near Cléon in the Seine-Maritime department of France on Friday at around 7:45 p.m. local time. [AFP]
A regional express train running between Rouen and Caen is seen derailed near Cléon in the Seine-Maritime department of France on Friday at around 7:45 p.m. local time. [AFP]

A passenger train derailed in northwestern France on Friday, injuring 44 people. Authorities found evidence of track damage and are investigating the incident as a possible act of sabotage.

According to AFP and other outlets, a regional express train traveling between Rouen and Caen derailed near Cléon in the Seine-Maritime department at around 7:45 p.m. local time Friday.

Of the 186 passengers and crew on board, 44 were injured. One woman, 18, suffered critical injuries and remains in serious condition. Window fragments and rocks flew into the carriages during the incident, witnesses said.

Police said an on-site investigation confirmed that part of the track had been deliberately removed, and they are now pursuing a sabotage line of inquiry.

The incident follows a series of attacks on critical infrastructure across Europe. In November last year, Polish authorities discovered metal clamps and explosive devices on railway tracks designed to cause a derailment, and said Russian intelligence services may have been involved.


hwshin@heraldcorp.com