Whelp, the 2024 Paris Olympics is starting off, well, in flames. In a series of coordinated arson attacks early Friday, France’s sophisticated high-speed rail network was targeted. The arson caused massive disruptions for about 800,000 travelers heading to Paris, including athletes en route to the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony. In other words, this a big deal.
The fires, discovered before dawn, disrupted three major lines. Another attempt in Vergigny in the south was held off by brave rail agents who managed to scare off the suspects.
Get this, although this cause serious chaos, thankfully there were no injuries reported.
Luckily, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo assured that the damage would not impede the ceremony, where 7,000 Olympic athletes were scheduled to sail down the Seine past landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Musee d’Orsay.
Authorities have not publicly speculated on the perpetrators’ identities or motives, nor have they confirmed any direct link to the Olympics.
The CEO of SNCF, the national railway company, Jean-Pierre Farandou, noted that the attacks were designed to maximize disruption. He said:
“The places were especially chosen to have the most serious impact, since each fire cut off two lines.” He estimated the number of affected travelers at 800,000, adding, “The evidence indicates a desire to seriously harm the French people.”
As expected, Paris prosecutors have already launched a national investigation. Those held responsible could receive prison sentences up to 20 years.
French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete announced that train traffic had begun to resume in the afternoon. Most trains should be operational by Saturday.
Fireworks in Paris, for sure.
The post Coordinated Arson Attacks Hit French Railways Right Before Paris Olympics Opening Ceremonies first appeared on The Source.
The post Coordinated Arson Attacks Hit French Railways Right Before Paris Olympics Opening Ceremonies appeared first on The Source.