The Paris rail system experienced disruptions right before the start of the Olympics on Friday.

Approximately 800,000 travelers will be impacted, according to SNCF's rail line statement.

The Paris rail system experienced disruptions right before the start of the Olympics on Friday.
The Paris rail system experienced disruptions right before the start of the Olympics on Friday.

The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremonies have caused significant disruptions to a major rail system in France.

The SNCF announced on Friday morning that a significant attack aimed at disrupting the high-speed line network resulted in numerous trains being diverted or canceled.

On Friday, Jean-Pierre Farandou, CEO of SNCF, informed reporters that the attacks on the rail system involved "arson" and deliberate cable damage. The state-run rail line stated it is unaware of the perpetrator's identity.

The impact of the strike will affect approximately 800,000 travelers on trains to and from Paris, according to SNCF.

The rail line urged all travelers who can to postpone their trip and not to go to the station, while affected travelers will be contacted via email or SMS.

Travelers during service disruptions
Travelers during service disruptions at Gare de Lyon railway station in Paris, France, on Friday, July 26, 2024. Trains to and from Paris, including the international Eurostar service, were hit by what authorities called a "massive attack aimed at paralyzing the network" of France's super-fast trains just hours ahead of the inauguration ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games.  (Nathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The attacks on the three railway lines, Atlantic, North, and East, were referred to as an attack on France by SNCF.

Rail cables, intended for safety, were damaged and require repair, as stated by Farandou.

To ensure the safety of trains when they are back up and running, we must reconnect all cables and test them one by one, as Farandou stated.

According to Farandou, the fire that affected two destinations was a premeditated, calculated, coordinated attack that indicates a desire to seriously harm the French people.

The upcoming weekend in France will be busier than usual, with spectators from all over the world coming to watch the Games, which are taking place in Paris for the first time in a century since the city hosted the 1924 Games. Additionally, Paris previously hosted the 1900 Games.

Olympic organizers will guarantee the safe transportation of all delegations to the competition venues, as stated by French sports minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera.

The Summer Olympics kickoff will take place on the Seine River at 1:30 p.m. ET, marking the start of an Olympics without a stadium setting.

There have been no reports of injuries.

by Scott McDonald

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