French train lines hit by 'malicious acts' ahead of Olympics

Mei Heron Mei Heron | 07-26 16:20

The Olympic Games have been hit by what French authorities are calling "coordinated malicious acts" across the country's high-speed train network.

SNCF, the state-owned railway operator, said arsonists have attacked regional lines connecting Paris with the West, North, and East.

"Fires were deliberately set to damage our installations," it said.

It's created chaos and massive delays across the country on the day the Olympic ceremony is due to begin and there are disruptions expected all weekend.

French authorities are calling it a "coordinated sabotage" with the sports minister, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, saying it is "completely appalling".

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"To target the games is to target France," she said.

Oudéa-Castéra said they're working to evaluate the impact on and athletes.

France's transport minister Patrice Vergriete strongly condemned the "criminal acts" and said would compromise many holiday plans.

Eurostar also said it's had to cancel and delay several of its rail services between London and Paris.

It said in a statement: "Due to coordinated acts of malice in France, affecting the high speed line between Paris and Lille, all high speed trains going to and coming from Paris are being diverted via the classic line today. This extends the journey time by around an hour and a half. Several trains have been cancelled."

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