Train derailment in Normandy, France, suspected of deliberate sabotage

(Deutsche Welle Chinese website) French authorities said that on the evening of Friday (September 11), a train derailed while running between Rouen and Caen in the Normandy region of northwest France. Local media quoted police as saying the accident may have involved sabotage.

The governor of Seine-Maritime said in a statement that the accident occurred at about 19:30 local time near the towns of Cleon and Tourville-la-Riviere, and at least 44 people were injured. Among the injured, a young woman was in critical condition and was transported to Rouen by helicopter for rescue.

According to the French National Railways (SNCF) and the provincial governor, the train was carrying about 180 passengers when it derailed.

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said that 140 firefighters were involved in the rescue effort. The local government urged the public to avoid the area.

French rail network operator SNCF Reseau said operations on the line had been suspended. The company said its top priority was caring for passengers and then restoring safe operating conditions.

A police spokesman said the train derailed after hitting an unknown object. According to police reports, a section of steel rail that may be related to the accident was found on the track.