Train Derails in Normandy, Injuring 44 Passengers

On Friday, July 25, 2026, a passenger train carrying 186 people derailed in northwest France, specifically on the route between the Normandy cities of Rouen and Caen, at approximately 7:45 pm local time (1745 GMT). Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed that 44 individuals sustained injuries, with one, an 18-year-old woman, reported in critical condition.

Local authorities promptly activated a mass-casualty response plan, deploying 130 firefighters, five teams, and 80 vehicles to the scene. Rouen prosecutor Sebastien Gallois stated that the train driver tested negative for drugs and alcohol.

SNCF Réseau, the organization responsible for managing France's rail infrastructure, cut power to the tracks and suspended all traffic on the line to facilitate emergency operations. An investigation has been initiated by rail authorities and police to determine the cause of the derailment, although no official cause had been confirmed at the time of reporting.