World briefing
French train derailment injures 44 as investigators examine possible sabotage
A regional train carrying 186 passengers derailed in Cleon. Police suspect sabotage, but investigators have not established why a piece of rail was on the track.
A train derailment in northwestern France injured 44 people Friday evening, with authorities investigating possible sabotage after a piece of rail was found on the track. The regional service was carrying 186 passengers from Rouen to Caen when it derailed in Cleon. One carriage fell onto its side and four others left the tracks.
A spokeswoman for the French national police communications service said the rail fragment was probably linked to the derailment. Rouen prosecutor Sebastien Gallois said investigators still needed to determine why it was there. Police said the prosecutor's office remained cautious about drawing conclusions as investigators examined whether the circumstances were accidental or involved sabotage.
Police said an injured 18-year-old woman was flown to Rouen University Hospital. Cleon Mayor Melanie Delacour described passengers as shocked and said shattered windows allowed stones to fly into carriages that had remained upright.