A passenger train derailed in northwestern France on Friday, injuring 44 people, including an 18-year-old woman in critical condition, local authorities said.
The train was carrying 186 passengers between Rouen and Caen when it derailed at about 7:45pm local time, or 17:45 GMT, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said.
Emergency response under way
Local authorities activated a mass-casualty response plan after the derailment. Rouen prosecutor Sebastien Gallois said 44 people were injured, while the Seine-Maritime prefecture said the critically injured woman was evacuated by helicopter.
SNCF Reseau, which manages France’s rail network, said power to the tracks had been cut so emergency services could work safely. The company said caring for passengers was the priority before restoring safe operating conditions. Read the context: June heatwave causes more than 5,700 excess deaths in France, health agency reports.
Key points
- 130 firefighters, five medical teams and 80 vehicles were sent to the scene.
- The injured woman was taken by helicopter to Rouen University Hospital.
- Rail traffic was suspended and power to the tracks was cut during the emergency response.
Investigation into the derailment
Gallois said drug and alcohol tests on the train driver were negative. Rail authorities and police are investigating the cause of the derailment.
A passenger identified as Louis, 24, told local radio ICI Normandie that the train jolted before the movement intensified, partially shattering windows and sending track stones into a carriage.
What happens next
Rail traffic on the line remains suspended while authorities respond to the crash and investigate its cause; SNCF Reseau said it would work to restore safe operating conditions.
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