Investigators suspect that sabotage may have caused a train to derail in northwest France, leaving 44 people injured, including an 18-year-old woman in critical condition.
A fragment of rail was found on the track following the incident, prompting authorities to consider a deliberate act as a key line of inquiry, according to a police source.
The train, carrying 186 passengers, was traveling between the Normandy cities of Rouen and Caen when it derailed at around 7:45 p.m. local time on Friday.
44 Injured in the Derailment
Authorities activated a mass-casualty response plan following the accident, deploying around 130 firefighters, five medical teams and 80 emergency vehicles to the scene.
Rouen prosecutor Sebastien Gallois said 44 people were injured, including an 18-year-old woman who was evacuated in critical condition.
Initial tests on the train driver found no traces of drugs or alcohol, according to authorities.
Rail Traffic Suspended
Rail traffic on the affected line was suspended following the derailment, while power to the tracks was cut to allow emergency crews to safely operate at the scene.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the derailment, with particular attention being paid to the possibility of a deliberate act after the rail fragment was discovered on the track.
