Train derails in northwest France, injuring dozens

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 municipalities of Cleon and Tourville-la-Riviere at around 7:30 p.m. local time (18:30 UTC), the Seine-Maritime prefect said in a statement.

One of the injured, a young woman, was in a critical state and was evacuated by helicopter to Rouen, the local authority added.

The train was carrying around 180 passengers when it derailed, national rail company SNCF and the prefect said.

French Transport Minister 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, SNCF said.