Train Derailment in France Injures 44 Passengers

On Friday evening at approximately 7:45 pm (1745 GMT), a train carrying 186 passengers derailed in northwest France while traveling between the Normandy cities of Rouen and Caen. The incident resulted in 44 injuries, including one serious case involving an 18-year-old woman who was evacuated in critical condition.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed the derailment via X, and local authorities activated a mass-casualty response plan, deploying 130 firefighters, five medical teams, and 80 vehicles to the scene. Passenger Louis, 24, described the experience as shocking, noting jolts followed by stronger movements, shattered windows, and debris entering the carriage.

Rouen prosecutor Sebastien Gallois reported the injuries and confirmed that drug and alcohol tests on the train driver returned negative results. SNCF Réseau, which manages the French rail network, announced that traffic on the line has been suspended and power to the tracks cut to facilitate emergency operations.

Investigations into the cause of the derailment are currently underway.