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At least 44 people have been injured, one of them seriously, after a train which was carrying 186 people derailed in northern France on Friday, according to officials.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot wrote on social media X that the train was running between the Normandy region cities of Rouen and Caen.
A mass-casualty response plan was activated, mobilising 130 firefighters, five medical teams and 80 vehicles.
Local authorities said in a statement that the incident took place at around 7:45 pm.
“Suddenly there were a few jolts, and then after about three seconds it got stronger and stronger,” one of the passengers, Louis, 24, told local media. “I couldn’t stay in my seat any more,” adding, “The windows partially shattered, the stones from the track came into the carriage. It was really shocking. I’m still shaking.”
Forty-four passengers were injured, as well as an 18-year-old woman who was evacuated “in a critical condition”, according to Sebastien Gallois, Rouen’s prosecutor. Meanwhile, tests for drugs and alcohol on the train driver came back negative.
Train company SNCF Reseau, who are in charge of the French rail network, told local media that traffic has been suspended and, in order for emergency services to intervene, power to the tracks was cut.
“The priority is to care for the passengers and then to restore safe operating conditions,” SNCF Reseau said.
The accident is being investigated by the police and rail authorities.
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