The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are off to a bumpy start.
Hours before the opening ceremony on July 26, France’s high-speed rail network froze. Multiple acts of vandalism, including fires, hit the system. Railway cables were cut and burned. Train travel into Paris shut down. Travelers, including some Olympic athletes, faced delays and cancellations. Authorities believe vandals sabotaged the tracks on purpose. But they haven’t yet found a direct link to the Olympic Games—other than the timing.
Rail workers thwarted one sabotage attempt. They spotted intruders and quickly called the police. When the trespassers realized they’d been seen, they ran away.
French prosecutors opened a national investigation into the vandalism. These crimes could carry sentences of 10 to 20 years in prison. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal says the attacks had “a clear objective: blocking the high-speed train network.”
Jean-Pierre Farandou is CEO of SNCF, the national railway company. He agrees with the Prime Minister’s assessment. “The places were especially chosen to have the most serious impact, since each fire cut off two lines,” he says.
The attacks caused no known injuries. But the disruption delayed hundreds of thousands of travelers. At the Montparnasse station, people were stuck without water, toilets, or electricity.
Two German showjumping athletes were on a train to Paris. They plan to compete in the Olympic Games. They hoped to take part in the opening ceremony, but their train had to turn back to Belgium.
“There was no longer a chance of making it on time,” says athlete Philipp Weishaupt.
Workers repaired the tracks while police searched for clues.
As the Olympic Games approached, French security forces went into action. With the world watching and representatives of many nations present, the Olympic Games often draw some troublemakers and attention seekers. Authorities have already foiled several plots to disrupt the event.
Over the past decade, Paris has experienced several deadly terror attacks. French officials want the Olympic Games to symbolize healing.
By afternoon, train traffic started up again. Officials continue to look for answers. But for now—let the games begin!
