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Seine-Maritime: 44 injured in TER derailment
A train linking Rouen to Caen derailed on Friday evening, resulting in 44 injuries, including one woman in critical condition, prompting an investigation.
A regional train, the TER linking Rouen to Caen, derailed on Friday evening near Cléon in Seine-Maritime. Reports indicate that the train was carrying 186 passengers at the time of the accident. Local authorities announced that the toll stands at 44 injured, including a young woman who was evacuated under critical condition.
The Minister of Transport confirmed that the police and SNCF are investigating the causes of this incident. Initial tests conducted on the driver revealed negative results for alcohol and drug use, as reported by Rouen’s Deputy Prosecutor, Marie-Valérie Albert.
The derailment occurred between the municipalities of Tourville and Elbeuf-Saint-Aubin. Several ambulances were mobilized on-site to assist the injured. An AFP photographer observed a bus escorted by police, which was also present at the accident location.
According to initial reports, most of the injured sustained minor injuries. However, the condition of the young woman evacuated under critical circumstances remains concerning. Authorities have emphasized that the toll could change as the investigation progresses and medical care is provided to the victims.
The accident has also raised questions about railway safety conditions in France. SNCF stated that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the exact circumstances of the derailment.
The accident prompted an immediate response from emergency services, and judicial investigations have been opened to explore all avenues, including the possibility of malicious acts. Details of the event continue to be examined by investigators.