Massive Train Accident In France: Passenger Train Derails, 44 Injured; One Critical

Paris: A major train accident occurred in the North of France on Friday evening. A train going from Rouen to Caen derailed in the Normandie area. 44 people have been injured in this accident, the condition of one of them is said to be very critical. There were about 180 passengers on board the train at the time of the accident.

When and where did the accident happen?

According to French officials and railway company SNCF, the accident happened on Friday evening at around 7:30 pm. The train derailed near the town of Cléon in the Normandy region. As soon as the accident occurred, relief and rescue work was started immediately. Local Administration Head Prefect Jean-Benoir Albertini said that the condition of one injured is critical. He has been taken to the hospital by helicopter for better treatment. The remaining injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals.

How did the train derail?

A French police spokesperson said that before derailing, the train had collided with some unknown object. What that thing was and what role it played in the accident is not yet clear. Some reports are saying that some heavy object may be lying on the track. Railway company SNCF has said that an investigation has been started to find out the cause of the accident. Both the technical team and the police are investigating together.

How many people arrived for relief?

France's Transport Minister Philippe Tabaro said on social media that about 140 firefighters have been deployed on the spot. Apart from this, police and medical teams also arrived. The rescue team first pulled out the passengers trapped in the train and gave first aid to the injured. The administration has appealed to the people not to go near the accident site so that the rescue work is not hampered.

Which trains were affected after the accident?

After the accident, train service between Rouen-Cannes and Caen-Le Havre has been completely stopped. The track is currently closed and the work of removing the coaches is underway. To reduce the inconvenience to passengers, SNCF has announced the start of alternative bus services on the affected routes. The company has said that trains will not run until the track is completely checked. At present, a detailed investigation of the accident is going on. Officials are trying to find out what caused the train to collide and what was the real reason.