France investigates whether malicious act caused train derailment
French investigators are examining whether Friday evening's derailment of a passenger train in northern France was caused deliberately. Forty-four people were injured, one critically.
Prosecutors in northern France are investigating the circumstances surrounding the derailment of a passenger train travelling between Rouen and Caen in Normandy on Friday evening. Prosecutor Sébastien Gallois said on Saturday that the leading theory is that a piece of rail was lying on the track, which may have caused the derailment. The reason for its presence there remains unknown.
According to local media, 186 passengers were aboard the train at the time. Forty-four people were treated for injuries, including an 18-year-old woman who was airlifted to hospital in critical condition. Gallois said her life is no longer in danger, while the other injured passengers have received treatment and have either been discharged or are due to be released soon.
Investigators have seized the train's "black box," scheduled several interviews, and brought in a court-appointed expert. The Rouen prosecutor's office had earlier confirmed that the train driver tested negative for both drugs and alcohol.
The derailment occurred near Cléon, just south of Rouen, shortly before 8pm local time. Around 140 firefighters and other emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene immediately.
A passenger named Louis told radio station ICI Normandie that he felt a few jolts at first, which intensified after about three seconds. He said windows partially shattered and stones from the track flew into the carriage, describing the experience as shocking and saying he was still shaking afterward.
