France’s national rail says ‘malicious’ acts cause disruptions before Olympics

France’s national rail service, SNCF, said Friday several “malicious acts” targeted three of its high-speed train lines, causing disruptions hours before the Opening Ceremonies of the Paris Olympic Games.

SNCF, in a post on X, said “arson attacks were started to damage our facilities.” In an email to The Washington Post, it said it was the “victim of a massive attack to paralyze high-speed lines.”

In a brief statement, the state-owned rail operator said its Atlantic, northern and eastern high-speed lines were affected and advised customers to postpone travel. Some disruptions are expected to last through the weekend until Monday, SNCF said. SNCF that it also prevented another “malicious act” targeting the Southeast line.

SNCF chairman Jean-Pierre Farandou told BFMTV that around 800,000 customers are believed to be affected.

The SNCF said its teams were “on site” to establish the problem and begin repairs, noting “some trains are diverted, a large number of trains are canceled.”

Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete strongly condemned what he called the “coordinated” acts. He separately told BFMTV that an investigation is under way but said that the coordinated timing of the incidents suggested the fires were “criminal” in nature.

The Eurostar trains, one of the principal transport lines from the United Kingdom to the European continent, also announced delays “due to a problem with the overhead power supply in France” and listed trains arriving in France an hour later than scheduled. It advised travelers to postpone their trips.