Regional train derails in northwestern France – more than 40 injured

Reaction from Paris

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot reacted to the incident and announced that he would travel to the site to assess the situation. According to BFMTV and the AFP news agency, Tabarot travelled to the scene of the accident to speak with the emergency services and those affected. In an initial statement, he expressed his sympathy to the injured and their families.

The affected section of track belongs to the network of the state-owned railway infrastructure operator SNCF Réseau. According to the company, train services on the Rouen–Caen connection were suspended immediately after the accident. Specialist teams were deployed to examine the damaged track installations and secure initial information on the possible cause of the accident.

Investigation into the cause underway

Investigators were initially cautious about the exact cause of the derailment. According to the prefecture, initial indications pointed to an incident in the area of the infrastructure, without any details being confirmed. SNCF Réseau announced a thorough technical investigation to clarify the circumstances of the accident.

The accident triggered a broad debate in France about the state of the rail network. Opposition politicians once again called for increased investment in the modernisation of regional rail infrastructure, pointing to previous incidents in other parts of the country. The government pointed out that ongoing programmes to renew the network would continue.

Impact on rail traffic

Train passengers whose connections were affected by the line closure were asked, according to the transport authorities, to contact SNCF and regional transport services. Replacement bus services were set up to continue serving the main stops along the Rouen–Caen route.

The Rouen public prosecutor's office opened an investigation to clarify the circumstances of the accident. At the same time, an internal investigation commission was set up at SNCF Réseau. According to both bodies, results are not expected for several days at the earliest, once the evaluation of the evidence and technical data has been completed.

Eyewitness videos circulated on social networks showing rescue workers recovering injured people from the carriages and passengers being cared for at the side of the tracks. The prefecture called on residents and onlookers not to enter the accident area so as not to hinder the rescue operations.