News
France Trains Cancelled as Authorities Intensify Search for Vandals
France is experiencing significant disruption in its high-speed train services following a series of “co-ordinated” arson attacks. On Saturday, three out of ten trains on affected routes will be canceled as authorities continue their search for the “saboteurs” responsible for the widespread disruption that paralyzed rail networks on Friday.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced that security forces are actively searching for those behind the attacks. The national rail company, SNCF, stated that services running on Saturday would face delays of up to two hours on three major lines entering and exiting Paris. Additionally, Eurostar passengers are experiencing ongoing disruptions, with a quarter of international trains canceled during the opening weekend of the Olympic Games.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks, but SNCF reported that staff worked diligently through the night in challenging conditions, including rain, to repair the damage. The “strategic” vandalism involved setting fire to cabling boxes at junctions on the North, Brittany, and South-West lines just hours before the Olympics’ opening ceremony in the capital.
Government officials reported that the saboteurs targeted specialized fiber optic cables crucial for the rail network’s safe operation. According to a source connected to the investigation, the operation was “well-prepared” and organized by “a single structure.” Rail workers successfully prevented an attempt to destroy safety equipment on a fourth line.
As of Saturday morning, a spokesman for the rail network indicated that while traffic on the North axis would remain disrupted on Sunday, conditions should improve on the Atlantic axis for weekend returns. SNCF estimated that about 250,000 passengers were affected on Friday, with junior transport minister Patrice Vergriete warning that as many as 800,000 could be impacted over three days.
Eurostar, which operates international services from London to Paris and uses a high-speed line in France, announced that one in four of its trains would not run over the weekend. Travelers are advised to postpone their journeys, with disruptions expected to persist until Monday.
Among those affected by the Eurostar cancellations was Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who had planned to attend the Games’ opening ceremony via train but instead had to travel by air.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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