Just hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, France’s high-speed rail network was severely disrupted by a series of coordinated attacks and arson. These incidents have led to significant chaos, affecting around 800,000 travelers. The attacks have isolated Paris from the country's west, north, and east, with Eurostar services from London to Paris experiencing numerous cancellations and delays. Travel times for all high-speed trains to and from Paris have been extended by 90 minutes, and the state-owned railway operator has announced that route diversions will continue at least through the weekend.
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera denounced the attacks as "coordinated acts of malice" aimed directly at France and the Olympics. Passengers stranded at various stations have shared images of the disarray on social media. In response, Paris authorities are increasing security at major railway stations, adding to the already substantial security presence of over 45,000 police officers and 10,000 soldiers that was prepared for the event.
The disruption comes at a particularly inopportune time, just before the summer holiday weekend, and is affecting numerous travelers. Additionally, Olympic events scheduled in cities outside Paris, such as Nantes and Bordeaux, may be impacted due to their reliance on the major rail lines now disrupted. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing security concerns, including recent incidents like a pitch invasion during a football match and a violent crime against an Australian woman in Paris.
