Overview
- The Caen–Rouen regional train left the tracks between Tourville and Elbeuf-Saint-Aubin after hitting an object while travelling at about 140 km/h and 44 people were injured among roughly 180 on board.
- Authorities say one passenger was seriously hurt and emergency services deployed dozens of firefighters and medical teams to the scene.
- A photograph shared on social media showing a long metal element on the rails has strengthened a police line of inquiry that the object may have been placed deliberately.
- Investigators are collecting CCTV, passenger and crew statements, and forensic and technical analyses to confirm the object’s nature, how it arrived on the track and who may be responsible.
- The probe raises questions about rail security and potential criminal liability, and officials warn that formal conclusions will wait for technical tests and judicial review.