Local officials confirmed that at least 44 passengers sustained injuries, including one individual in serious condition, following a passenger train derailment in northern France.
An 18-year-old woman was urgently airlifted to a hospital in critical condition via helicopter.
Authorities reported that 186 passengers were on board the train, which was operating on the route between Rouen and Caen in Normandy.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot stated that 140 firefighters and emergency response teams were deployed to the crash site on Friday evening near Cléon, south of Rouen.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, French media reports have suggested that sabotage could be a potential cause, though authorities have not officially commented on the matter.
A mass-casualty response plan was activated by local authorities shortly before 20:00 (18:00 GMT) following the incident.
“Suddenly there were a few jolts, and then after about three seconds it got stronger and stronger,” said Louis, a passenger on the train, speaking to ICI Normandie radio.
“I couldn’t stay in my seat any more. The windows partially shattered, and stones from the track came into the carriage. It was really shocking. I’m still shaking,” he added.
Photographs later emerged depicting passengers evacuating the train, three of whose carriages had overturned, according to French media.