French authorities are examining whether the derailment of a passenger train in Normandy on Friday evening resulted from a deliberate act. The train was traveling between Rouen and Caen when it left the tracks near Cléon, injuring 44 of the 186 people on board.
What happened during the Normandy train derailment?
The train derailed shortly before 20:00 local time on Friday near Cléon, south of Rouen. Emergency services deployed around 140 firefighters and rescue workers to the site. One 18-year-old woman was airlifted to hospital in critical condition, though her life is no longer in danger. The remaining injured passengers received treatment and most have been discharged.
What is the current focus of the investigation?
Prosecutor Sébastien Gallois stated that a piece of rail found on the track is the leading theory for the cause. The reason for its presence remains unknown. The train's black box has been recovered, interviews are planned, and a court-appointed expert has been assigned. The driver tested negative for drugs and alcohol.
How did passengers describe the incident?
One passenger named Louis told local radio that the carriage experienced increasing jolts, forcing him from his seat. Windows shattered and track ballast entered the carriage. He described the event as shocking and said he was still shaking afterward.
Frequently asked questions
What route was the train on?
The service operated between Rouen and Caen in Normandy.
How many people were injured?
Forty-four passengers received treatment for injuries.
Has a cause been confirmed?
No cause has been confirmed. Investigators are considering whether the rail piece was placed deliberately.
Where is the main victim now?
The 18-year-old woman remains in hospital but is no longer in critical condition.
Key takeaways
- The derailment occurred near Cléon on the Rouen-Caen line on Friday evening.
- Forty-four of 186 passengers were injured, one critically at first.
- Prosecutors are investigating a rail piece on the track as the possible cause.
- The driver tested negative for substances and the black box has been seized.