A passenger train derailed in northern France on Friday evening, resulting in at least 44 injuries, one of which was critical. The incident occurred near the commune of Cléon, south of Rouen, shortly before 8:00 p.m. local time.
An 18-year-old woman was airlifted to a hospital in serious condition, according to local officials. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot stated that 180 passengers were aboard the train traveling between Rouen and Caen in Normandy.
In response to the derailment, 140 firefighters and emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene. Local authorities activated a mass-casualty response plan. Images from the site showed passengers disembarking the train, with reports indicating that three carriages had overturned.
The cause of the derailment is currently unknown. France's state-owned railway operator, SNCF, reported significant disruptions along its routes in the affected area and arranged for replacement bus services. The public was advised to avoid the vicinity of the crash site.