France’s national rail operator, SNCF, has reported major disruption to high-speed train services in southern France after an arson attack damaged signalling cables between Avignon and Lyon on October 27. The incident forced the cancellation of several TGV services and caused extensive delays across the southeastern rail network. Authorities confirmed that the damage was deliberate, describing it as an act of arson.
The attack affected a key section of France’s high-speed line linking Paris with major southern cities including Marseille, Nice and Montpellier. SNCF said that while some trains were diverted via slower conventional tracks, others were cancelled entirely, leading to significant travel delays and overcrowding at major stations. The operator expects normal service to resume by Tuesday morning once repair crews complete emergency work on the damaged lines.
Arson Damage Blocks High-Speed Route
According to a report by The Local France, fires were deliberately set along parts of the high-speed line between Lyon and Avignon early Monday morning. The flames destroyed sections of signal cables crucial for train traffic management. The incident prompted SNCF to suspend several TGV routes during peak travel hours and reroute others through alternate tracks, extending journey times by up to two and a half hours. The Paris–Lyon connection, one of Europe’s busiest high-speed corridors, continued operating with minor delays.
While SNCF did not specify the number of trains affected, widespread cancellations were reported on services linking Paris with the southern coastal cities. The disruption also caused indirect delays to regional TER trains sharing sections of the route. SNCF technicians and emergency services worked throughout the day to replace damaged infrastructure and restore network safety.
Impact on Travelers and Regional Transport
The incident led to severe travel disruptions across southeastern France, where the TGV network carries tens of thousands of passengers daily. Travellers faced cancellations and extended travel times as SNCF implemented contingency routes. Some passengers were redirected to slower intercity services, while others received last-minute rebookings or refunds. SNCF advised passengers to check service updates before travelling and warned that residual delays could persist into Tuesday.
The arson occurred at the start of the week when passenger volumes are typically high for both business and leisure travel. The Avignon–Lyon line serves as a crucial link between northern and southern France and connects to international routes to Spain and Italy. However, no immediate reports indicated direct disruptions to cross-border services on Monday. SNCF said it was monitoring international schedules closely to minimize knock-on effects for foreign connections.
French authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack. Although incidents targeting rail infrastructure are rare, they have increased concerns about network security. The government has not released details on potential suspects or motives, but officials confirmed that the damage pattern was consistent with intentional sabotage. Police and railway investigators are working jointly to determine how the perpetrators accessed the restricted areas where the cables were set alight.
Ongoing Repair Work and Expected Recovery
Repair operations began shortly after the fires were contained. SNCF maintenance crews replaced burned cables and tested signal systems to restore safe operating conditions. The company said services should return to normal by Tuesday morning, though localized delays may continue while final inspections are completed. The operator has not provided an estimate of the financial impact of the damage or compensation figures for affected passengers.
Infrastructure vandalism has been an ongoing issue in parts of France’s rail network, with copper theft and cable damage occasionally leading to regional delays. However, SNCF described Monday’s incident as a targeted act of arson rather than theft. The company reiterated that passenger safety was not compromised and that additional security patrols were being deployed along the affected lines.
The attack comes as France continues to invest heavily in modernizing its high-speed infrastructure and expanding TGV routes connecting major European cities. The Avignon–Lyon corridor, part of the Mediterranean TGV network, is vital for linking the French capital with southern regions and neighboring countries. Although the disruption is expected to be short-term, the incident highlights vulnerabilities in critical transport infrastructure and the challenges of securing vast stretches of rail network against vandalism.
As of late Monday, SNCF confirmed that several trains had resumed limited service through alternative routes. The company urged travelers to remain patient as repair teams finalize network restoration overnight. Full timetables and ticket changes are available through SNCF’s online platforms and customer information centers.
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