Train derails in Normandy, France, injuring 44 as authorities investigate sabotage

A regional train derailed Friday evening near Cleon in the Seine-Maritime department of northwestern France, injuring 44 people and triggering an investigation into whether sabotage caused the accident.

According to ABC News, the train was operating between Rouen and Caen when it derailed, carrying 186 passengers. BBC reporting indicates three of the train's carriages overturned. One person, an 18-year-old, was airlifted by helicopter to Rouen University Hospital in critical condition, per BBC reporting. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said 140 firefighters and other emergency teams were deployed to the scene, and local authorities activated a mass-casualty response plan after the crash occurred shortly before 20:00 (18:00 GMT).

A piece of rail was found on the track at the derailment site. According to ABC News, a spokeswoman for the French national police communications service, known as SICOP, said that the piece of rail found on the track was "probably" linked to the derailment. Investigators are working to establish whether the circumstances were accidental or involved sabotage, ABC News reports. However, the prosecutor's office remained cautious about drawing conclusions, per ABC News, and authorities have not commented on media reports speculating about sabotage.

A passenger named Louis told ICI Normandie radio about the moment of derailment: "Suddenly there were a few jolts, and then after about three seconds it got stronger and stronger. I couldn't stay in my seat any more. The windows partially shattered, the stones from the track came into the carriage. It was really shocking. I'm still shaking."

The investigation will determine whether the rail piece was deliberately positioned, detached through deterioration, or resulted from maintenance failure.