At Least 44 Injured After Passenger Train Derails in Northern France

At least 44 people have been injured after a passenger train derailed in northern France, with one 18-year-old woman airlifted to hospital in critical condition.

The train was carrying 186 passengers and was travelling between Rouen and Caen in Normandy when it derailed near Cléon, south of Rouen, on Friday evening.

Local authorities activated a mass-casualty response plan shortly before 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT) as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said about 140 firefighters, alongside other emergency personnel, were deployed to assist passengers and deal with the aftermath of the crash.

Passenger Describes Moments of Panic

Passengers described a sudden and violent sequence of jolts before several carriages left the tracks.

One passenger, identified as Louis, told ICI Normandie radio that the train initially experienced several jolts before the movement intensified.

He said he was eventually unable to remain in his seat, while windows partially shattered and stones from the railway track entered the carriage.

The passenger described the incident as deeply shocking and said he remained shaken after escaping the train.

Photographs from the scene showed passengers being evacuated from the derailed train. French media reported that three of the train's carriages had overturned.

Cause of Derailment Under Investigation

The cause of the derailment was not immediately established.

Reports in French media have raised the possibility that the incident may have involved sabotage. However, authorities have not confirmed those reports, and there was no immediate official indication that the derailment was deliberate.

Investigators are expected to examine the condition of the railway infrastructure, the train and other circumstances surrounding the incident as they seek to establish what caused the derailment.

Emergency teams remained involved in the response as authorities assessed the extent of the damage and assisted passengers affected by the crash.

The incident has disrupted rail services in the area, while officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the derailment.

Gee Radio News Desk