French train networks expect to be fully restored Monday after sabotage attack: Officials
Service to France's high-speed rail networks is expected to be fully restored on Monday, after a sabotage attack on Friday paralyzed travel to the Paris Olympics ahead of the opening ceremony, officials said.
National rail operator SNCF said in an update Sunday that it had completed repairs to the damaged infrastructure, clearing the path for full service to commence on Monday. Officials had previously said Monday was the target date for full restoration of the network.
"Thanks to the exceptional mobilization of SNCF Réseau workers, who have been working tirelessly since Friday morning, repair work is now fully completed on all high-speed lines affected by the acts of sabotage. The test phases have been conclusive, and the lines can now be operated normally," SNCF said in its statement.
The agency said that by the end of Sunday, traffic is expected to "resume almost normally" on the Atlantic high-speed line.
"From Monday morning on, there will be no further disruption," SNCF said.
Crews worked through the night amid inclement weather to restore service to all the lines affected by the attack.
No arrests have been made nor have suspects been identified in the arson attack on the railway system, officials said.
Most train lines were running with delays after the fires and at least 800,000 people have been affected, according to SNCF, France's state-owned railway network.
The arson fires were first reported at 4 a.m. local time on Friday, SNCF said. Trackside signal boxes were set on fire and cables on the lines had been cut, which caused major disruptions in the north and east of France, according to SNCF.
SNCF said it had increased security along all lines with 1,000 workers and 50 drones.
