Overview
- A regional TER running between Rouen and Caen derailed near Cléon on Friday, injuring 44 of the 186 people on board and leaving at least one carriage overturned.
- Emergency teams deployed large resources including roughly 130 firefighters, five medical teams and about 80 vehicles and most injured passengers have since been discharged or are in stable condition.
- The Rouen public prosecutor opened a judicial inquiry and the police judiciaire seized the train’s black box while initial alcohol and drug tests on the driver were negative.
- Investigators are prioritizing a malicious-act hypothesis after crews found a rail or metal piece on the track, though reports differ on the object’s size and nature and forensic and technical work continues.
- Rail traffic between Rouen and Elbeuf remains suspended with bus substitutions in place, recovery of the derailed rames awaits judicial clearance, and authorities warn the probe and safety checks will take time.