A regional passenger train travelling between Rouen and Caen derailed near Cléon in Normandy on Friday evening, injuring 44 people, French authorities and railway operator SNCF said.
The train was carrying approximately 186 passengers when it left the tracks at about 7:30 p.m. One 18-year-old woman was critically injured and evacuated by helicopter to Rouen University Hospital.
Emergency authorities deployed around 130 firefighters and five medical teams to the scene. Rescue workers treated passengers, secured the carriages and helped evacuate people from the damaged train.
Investigators found a piece of rail on the track that police believe may have contributed to the derailment. Prosecutors are examining possible sabotage, although officials stressed that no final conclusion has been reached.
Rail traffic on the route was suspended while technical teams inspected the track and removed the affected train. The disruption was expected to continue as investigators documented evidence and assessed infrastructure damage.
The incident has renewed concern about the protection of French transport networks and the need to distinguish deliberate interference from equipment or maintenance failures. Authorities have asked the public to avoid speculation during the inquiry.
Officials will analyse surveillance material, track records and physical evidence before determining the cause. No deaths were reported, but the number of injured was revised upward as medical assessments continued.
Sources: Reuters; Associated Press.
Featured photo: G-R Mottez/Unsplash.