A passenger train derailed on Friday evening in the Normandy region of northwest France, resulting in approximately 20 injuries. The incident occurred near the town of Cleon at 7:54 p.m. local time, disrupting travel between Rouen and Caen.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot announced the casualty figures on social media platform X, emphasizing that the toll remained provisional. The derailment involved a TER (Transport Express Regional) train that was carrying 180 passengers at the time of the accident.
Emergency response efforts were swift, with 140 firefighters dispatched to the scene. Local authorities have asked residents and visitors to steer clear of the area as recovery operations continue.
SNCF Reseau, the French national rail network operator, confirmed that all traffic on the affected line has been suspended. In a statement, the operator noted that the immediate priority is providing care for those aboard the train before working to re-establish safe operating conditions.
Investigations into the cause of the derailment are currently underway.
I was on that route last week! Glad I wasn’t on this train. Sending good thoughts to everyone hurt in the crash.
Is it just me, or do regional rail accidents seem to happen more often lately? The infrastructure must need serious attention.
Glad the injuries are only around twenty and no fatalities reported yet. Hopefully the investigation finds the cause quickly.