Train derailment in Normandy leaves 44 injured, one critical

A train derailed on Friday evening on the route between the cities of Rouen and Caen in Normandy, northwest France, local authorities said.

At least 44 people were injured in the accident, which occurred near the town of Cleon at around 7:54 p.m. local time (17:54 UTC).

One of the injured was evacuated by helicopter and was in a critical state, the head of the local authority, Jean-Benoit Albertini, said.

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said the train was carrying 180 passengers when it derailed.

What else do we know about the train derailment?

Tabarot said 140 firefighters were at the scene.

Local authorities have urged the public to avoid the area.

The French rail network operator SNCF Reseau said traffic on the line had been suspended.

"The priority is to care for the passengers and then to restore safe operating conditions," SNCF Reseau said.

A police spokesperson said the train derailed after hitting an unidentified object.

The cause of the accident is being investigated, national rail company SNCF said.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery