A train carrying 186 passengers derailed in northwestern France on Friday evening, leaving 44 people injured, including an 18-year-old woman who was reportedly in critical condition.
The train was travelling between Rouen and Caen in Normandy when it derailed at about 7:45 pm local time, according to authorities.
France’s Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot also confirmed the incident.
Emergency services activated a mass-casualty response following the accident, with 130 firefighters, five medical teams and 80 vehicles deployed to the scene.
One of the passengers, 24-year-old Louis, described the moments before the derailment to ICI Normandie radio, saying, “Suddenly there were a few jolts, and then after about three seconds it got stronger and stronger.”
“I couldn’t stay in my seat any more,” he said. “The windows partially shattered; the stones from the track came into the carriage. It was really shocking. I’m still shaking.”
Rouen prosecutor Sebastien Gallois said 44 people sustained injuries, while the 18-year-old woman was evacuated “in a critical condition.” He added that tests conducted on the train driver for drugs and alcohol were negative.
SNCF Réseau, which manages France’s rail network, said train services on the affected route had been suspended and power to the tracks disconnected to facilitate emergency operations.
“The priority is to care for the passengers and then to restore safe operating conditions,” SNCF Réseau said.
Rail authorities and police have launched an investigation to determine what caused the derailment.
