Passenger train derailment in northern France injures at least 44
A passenger train derailed near Rouen in northern France, injuring at least 44 people, one of them critically. Hundreds of emergency responders were sent to the scene.
A passenger train derailed in northern France on Friday evening, injuring at least 44 people, local authorities have said. An 18-year-old woman was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.
The crash occurred near the commune of Cléon, just south of Rouen, shortly before 20:00 local time. France's Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said the train, which was travelling from Rouen to Caen in Normandy, was carrying 180 passengers.
Emergency response
Authorities deployed 140 firefighters and other emergency personnel to the scene and activated a mass-casualty response plan. French media reported that three carriages overturned in the derailment. Photos showed passengers evacuating the wrecked train.
The cause of the derailment has not yet been determined.
Disruption to services
State rail operator SNCF reported significant disruptions to routes in the area and said replacement buses would be provided for affected passengers. The public has been advised to avoid the area around the crash site.
