France’s high-speed rail network was hit Friday with widespread and “criminal” acts of vandalism including arson attacks, paralyzing travel to Paris from across the rest of France and Europe only hours before the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics.
Here’s what to know:
- An investigation is underway: French officials described the attacks as “criminal actions” and said they were investigating whether they were linked to the Olympic Games.
- Thousands of travellers are impacted: The disruptions are expected to affect a quarter of a million people alone on Friday and endure through the weekend, and possibly longer, officials said.
- The Olympics opening ceremony is set to begin: A parade of athletes and performers along the Seine river is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. EDT/7:30 p.m. CEST.