At least 44 people were injured, one seriously, when a passenger train derailed in northern France on Friday evening, according to local authorities. The train was carrying 186 passengers and crew between the Normandy cities of Rouen and Caen when it left the tracks at around 7:45 pm.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed the incident on social media, stating that emergency services had been mobilised under a mass-casualty response plan. In total, 130 firefighters, five medical teams, and 80 vehicles were deployed to the scene.
Passengers describe terrifying moments
One passenger, 24-year-old Louis, told local media that the derailment began with a series of jolts that quickly intensified. "Suddenly there were a few jolts, and then after about three seconds it got stronger and stronger," he said. "I couldn't stay in my seat any more. The windows partially shattered, the stones from the track came into the carriage. It was really shocking. I'm still shaking."
Among the injured was an 18-year-old woman who was evacuated in a critical condition, according to Sébastien Gallois, the prosecutor in Rouen. The remaining injuries were described as minor, but the psychological impact on passengers is likely to be significant.
Investigation underway
Police and the train operator SNCF Réseau have launched an investigation into the cause of the derailment. Tests for drugs and alcohol on the train driver came back negative, ruling out one potential factor. The focus now shifts to the condition of the track and the train itself.
SNCF Réseau, which manages the French rail network, said that traffic on the line has been suspended and that power to the tracks was cut to allow emergency services to work safely. "The priority is to care for the passengers and then to restore safe operating conditions," the company said in a statement.
The derailment comes at a time when France's rail infrastructure is under scrutiny. The country's economy has been lagging behind its European neighbours, and investment in transport networks has been a recurring political issue. While the cause of this incident is not yet known, it is likely to reignite debates about the state of public infrastructure in France.
Local authorities have set up a support centre for passengers and their families. The injured are being treated at hospitals in Rouen and Caen, with psychological support also offered to those who witnessed the crash.
This incident is a stark reminder of the risks inherent in rail travel, even in a country with one of Europe's most extensive high-speed networks. As the investigation proceeds, questions will be asked about maintenance schedules and safety protocols on regional lines.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured and the restoration of normal service. The line between Rouen and Caen is a vital link for commuters and tourists alike, and its closure will cause disruption for days to come.
