Olympics 2024: Paris high-speed train network hit by massive arson attack, Indian sailors were supposed to travel in it

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Olympics 2024: Hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024, the high-speed train network of the host city was hit by "malicious acts" including arson attacks that have disrupted the transport system, train operator SNCF confirmed.

"This is a massive attack on a large scale to paralyse the TGV network," SNCF told AFP, adding that many routes will have to be cancelled and the situation would last "at least all weekend while repairs are conducted"

It has been learnt that Indian Sailers Nethra and Vishnu were supposed to travel in this train to arrive for the opening ceremony.

The unprecedented turn of events could see thousands of fans at the Paris Olympics getting hit with travel chaos due to the "massive arson attack" carried out against the country's rail network.

The perpetrators targeted the TGV high speed train network just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 on the River Seine. According to officials, the vandals started fires at key installations.

TGV, which covers the entire country, has been forced to cancel several trains. Things are expected to get back to normal not before a week's time.

'People behind attacks unknown'

A spokesman for SNCF - France's rail operator - said it was the victim of "a massive arson attack to paralyse the TGV network". He said the disruption should "last at least the whole weekend".

Criminal investigations will be launched but there was no initial theory as to who was behind them. Notably, a £350million was invested on security to ensure smooth conduct of Paris Olympics 2024. The organisers have long feared acts of sabotage tagetting.

Around 75,000 soldiers, police and private security agents have been deployed for the successful security arrangements of the the multi-billion pounds games.