French Regional Train Derails Near Cléon, Injuring 44 Passengers

A regional TER train carrying around 180 passengers derailed near Cléon in the Seine-Maritime department of northern France on Friday, leaving at least 44 people injured. The incident occurred on the Rouen–Caen rail line between Tourville and Elbeuf-Saint-Aubin at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time, according to French Transport Minister Philippe Tabaro.

Medical Response and Passenger Conditions

France’s public prosecutor reported that an 18-year-old passenger was evacuated in “maximum emergency condition,” while 43 others received care under “relative emergency” status. Toxicology tests conducted on the train driver returned “entirely negative” results, as confirmed by Rouen Public Prosecutor Sébastien Gallot in an official statement.

Investigation and Emergency Coordination

The Rouen judicial police have opened an investigation into the causes of the serious injuries sustained in the derailment. The prefect of Seine-Maritime traveled to the site to coordinate rescue operations. Authorities activated the national NOVI (Organisation for Victims of Major Incidents) emergency plan, mobilizing 130 firefighters, five medical teams, and 80 vehicles.

Rail Network Response and Passenger Relocation

The national rail operator SNCF stated its priority was “caring for passengers and restoring normal service conditions.” Rail traffic on the affected section remains suspended, and electrical power to the tracks has been cut to facilitate emergency interventions. Uninjured passengers were transferred to a municipal hall made available by Cléon’s local authority.

Preliminary Cause Reports

Initial reports cited an “unidentified object” on the tracks as a possible cause of the derailment, though no official confirmation has been issued. An investigation is ongoing to determine the precise technical or operational factors behind the incident.