CLÉON — French authorities are investigating whether sabotage caused a train derailment in Cléon, Seine-Maritime, after a piece of rail was found on the track. The incident occurred on Friday evening and injured 44 people.

A regional train derailed in Cléon, Seine-Maritime department, France. There were 186 passengers on board the train, which was traveling from Rouen to Caen. One carriage tipped onto its side while four others left the tracks.

An 18-year-old woman was among the injured and was evacuated by helicopter to Rouen University Hospital in critical condition. Local authorities activated a mass-casualty response plan following the crash. "The reasons for its presence are unknown and will have to be determined by the investigation," Gallois said.

Cleon Mayor Melanie Delacour described the chaotic conditions inside the train cars during the event. She provided details on how the speed of the train contributed to the damage sustained by the passengers. "The windows of the carriages that remained upright shattered, and because of the train's speed, stones flew into the carriages," Delacour said.

SNCF Reseau said traffic on the line had been suspended and power to the tracks was cut to allow emergency services to operate. SNCF reported disruptions on its routes in the area and stated replacement buses would be provided.

Why It Matters

The investigation into whether sabotage caused the derailment centers on the unexplained presence of a rail fragment on the track. Determining how the piece ended up there is critical to establishing whether the event was an accident or a deliberate act.

The scale of the emergency response, involving over 100 firefighters and multiple medical teams, reflects the severity of the incident in the Seine-Maritime department. With 44 injuries and one passenger in critical condition, the outcome shows the risks associated with rail infrastructure integrity.

Timeline

The train was traveling from Rouen to Caen and carried 186 passengers. The derailment injured 44 people.

Local authorities activated a mass-casualty response plan on September 11, 2026. Emergency teams deployed to the scene included 140 firefighters according to Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, and 130 firefighters, five medical teams, and 80 vehicles according to local authorities. An 18-year-old woman was among the injured and was evacuated by helicopter to Rouen University Hospital in critical condition on September 11, 2026.

What's New

Additional reporting has provided further details on the emergency response and official statements. Rouen prosecutor Gallois said tests for drugs and alcohol on the train driver had come back negative. He also stated, "The reasons for its presence are unknown and will have to be determined by the investigation."

Local authorities activated a mass-casualty response plan. SNCF Reseau said traffic on the line had been suspended and power to the tracks was cut to allow emergency services to operate. Cleon Mayor Melanie Delacour said, "The windows of the carriages that remained upright shattered, and because of the train's speed, stones flew into the carriages." Cléon is commune in Seine-Maritime, France.