At least 44 people were injured, one critically, when a passenger train derailed in northern France on Friday evening, according to local officials. An 18-year-old woman was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in critical condition.
The train, which was traveling between the cities of Rouen and Caen in the Normandy region, was carrying 186 passengers at the time of the crash near the town of Cléon, just south of Rouen. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said around 140 firefighters and other emergency personnel rushed to the scene after the derailment, which occurred shortly before 8 p.m. local time (6 p.m. GMT). Authorities activated a mass-casualty emergency plan in response.
Officials have not yet determined what caused the crash, though several French media outlets have reported that sabotage may have been involved. Authorities have not confirmed or denied those claims.
Passengers described terrifying moments as the train came off the tracks. One rider, identified only as Louis, told a local radio station that the carriage shook violently before windows shattered and gravel from the tracks flew inside. Images later circulated showing passengers evacuating the train after three of its carriages overturned.
You can read the full BBC report for the latest updates on this developing story.
Source: Passenger train derails in France leaving at least 44 injured (feeds.bbci.co.uk). English version produced with AI assistance.
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