Partial Train Service Restored After Sabotage Ahead of Paris Olympics

PARIS — France’s national railway company, SNCF, announced on Saturday that it has made strides in restoring high-speed train services after acts of sabotage disrupted three main lines leading into Paris ahead of Friday night’s Olympic Games opening ceremony on the Seine River.

SNCF reported that its personnel worked throughout the night despite challenging weather conditions to enhance TGV traffic from the north, east, and west into the capital. As of Saturday morning, normal service had resumed on the Eastern high-speed line.

“On the North, Brittany, and South-West high-speed lines, an average of seven out of 10 trains will operate with delays of one to two hours,” SNCF stated.

The company added that service disruptions will continue on the North axis on Sunday, but conditions are expected to improve on the Atlantic axis for weekend return trips. Passengers are being notified via text message and email to confirm the status of their trains.

Despite the disruptions, SNCF affirmed that all transportation arrangements for Olympic teams and accredited personnel will proceed as planned.

The sabotage incidents have ignited concerns about security as Paris hosts the Olympics. French authorities are actively investigating the matter but have yet to identify or apprehend any suspects.