French judicial authorities have launched an investigation into a passenger train derailment that occurred near Cléon, south of Rouen, on Friday evening. The incident, which took place shortly before 20:00 local time, involved a train traveling between Rouen and Caen with 186 passengers on board.
Prosecutor Sébastien Gallois stated that the primary focus of the inquiry is the possibility of a malicious act. According to Gallois, evidence suggests a piece of rail was positioned on the track, which may have triggered the derailment. To assist with the investigation, officials have secured the train's data recorder, known as a black box, and appointed an expert to analyze the scene.
Emergency response efforts involved approximately 140 firefighters and rescue personnel. Forty-four individuals sustained injuries during the crash. Among the victims was an 18-year-old woman who required an emergency airlift to a hospital; officials have since confirmed that her condition has stabilized and her life is no longer at risk. Other injured passengers have either been treated and released or are nearing discharge.
The train driver underwent mandatory testing for alcohol and drugs, with both results returning negative. Passengers described a sudden, violent series of jolts that caused windows to shatter and debris to enter the carriages. The prosecutor’s office has scheduled a series of interviews as part of the ongoing investigation into the cause of the obstruction.
Source: BBC News
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