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France’s high-speed railway system has become the target of vandalism. Several criminal acts have been reported Friday morning ahead of the Olympics’ Opening Ceremonies in Paris.
The “sabotage” has presented yet another unwanted issue at the Paris Games as logistical problems continue to mount for both athletes and fans.
CBS Mornings touched on the vandalism in a segment on Friday. Apparently, railway sites are being doused in gasoline and lit on fire, causing trips to be either diverted or canceled altogether.
“France’s high speed rail system was hit by several acts of ‘criminal’ vandalism Friday…
“No injuries were immediately reported. France’s Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said on social media that ‘acts of sabotage were carried out in a prepared and coordinated manner’ across the rail network…
“France’s transportation minister told local media that attacks on three sites in the early hours of the morning involved cable clusters connected to the railway being doused with fuel and set on fire.”
@cbsmornings France’s high-speed rail system was hit by several acts of “criminal” vandalism Friday, disrupting travel as thousands of people flock to Paris for the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics. #olympics #parisolympics #paris2024 #olympicgames ♬ original sound – CBS Mornings
Authorities called the attacks “massive and serious,” though perpetrators have not yet been identified. It’s far from an ideal scenario as thousands of citizens and visitors flock to the country’s capital city for the Olympics.
The railway fires are just the latest of a number of problems being experienced in Paris.
The food situation has reportedly become a nightmare as kitchens run out of staple items like chicken and eggs. Athletes are calling the Olympic Village room accommodations subpar – noting the tiny cardboard beds, fishing net mattresses, and lack of air conditioning.
Even Olympic Village Tinder is dry thanks to anti-bed sharing measures.
It’s been a bumpy ride in the first days of the Paris Games. Hopefully, the issues are resolved as the event continues on.