French officials investigate 'malicious act' in train derailment
Passenger train derailment near Cléon leaves dozens injured, including one in critical condition
Quick Look
- A passenger train traveling between Rouen and Caen derailed near Cléon, France, injuring 44 people.
- Authorities are investigating a potential 'malicious act' after a rail fragment was discovered on the tracks.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
A train traveling between Rouen and Caen derailed on Friday evening near Cléon. 44 passengers were injured, with one person in critical condition.
Officials in northern France are investigating if the derailment of a passenger train on Friday evening was the result of "a malicious act".
Prosecutor Sébastien Gallois said on Saturday that a fragment of rail had been found on the tracks - and the reasons for its presence were "unknown".
Local media say 186 passengers were on board the train that was operating between Rouen and Caen in Normandy.
Fourty-four were treated for injuries, including an 18-year-old woman who was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.
Some 140 firefighters and other emergency teams were deployed to the scene of the incident near Cléon, just south of Rouen, shortly before 20:00 (18:00 GMT).
"Suddenly there were a few jolts, and then after about three seconds it got stronger and stronger," Louis, a passenger on the train, told ICI Normandie radio.
"I couldn't stay in my seat anymore. The windows partially shattered, the stones from the track came into the carriage. It was really shocking. I'm still shaking," he added.
The Rouen prosecutor's office said the train driver had tested negative for drugs and alcohol.
Open Questions
- What is the origin of the rail fragment found on the tracks?
- Are there any suspects identified in the potential malicious act?
