Sabotage Suspected in Train Derailment in Northwest France

Authorities in France are investigating a potential act of sabotage following a train derailment that left at least 44 people injured, one of whom is in critical condition. The incident occurred on Friday evening while the train was en route from Rouen to Caen, carrying a total of 186 passengers.

A police source revealed that a fragment of rail was discovered on the tracks, leading investigators to treat malicious intent as the primary theory behind the derailment. This alarming development has raised concerns about the safety of rail travel in the region.

In response to the incident, local authorities activated a mass-casualty response plan, deploying 130 firefighters, five medical teams, and 80 vehicles to assist with the emergency. Rouen prosecutor Sebastien Gallois confirmed that tests for drugs and alcohol on the train driver returned negative, ruling out impairment as a contributing factor to the accident.

Source: www.france24.com