Just hours before the official opening of the 2024 Paris Olympics, fires in the high-speed train (TGV) network have captured the attention of the media and front pages across France. The French National Railway Company (SNCF) reported that on Thursday night, it suffered a "massive attack" aimed at paralyzing its service.

The SNCF claims that the fires were set to damage the facilities and that several TGV lines were affected. Although the LGV Southeast line was not damaged, a "malicious act" was thwarted. The company is already working in the affected areas. "Our teams are on-site to diagnose and begin repairs," they explained on their official 'X' account (formerly Twitter). They also reported the disruptions caused by the attack: "TGV traffic on the Atlantic, North, and East lines is severely disrupted: some trains are being rerouted, and a large number of trains are canceled."

Stations such as Paris Montparnasse, one of the six major terminals in France, are in chaos. Travelers are stranded and waiting for information about their journeys. The SNCF has asked people with scheduled trips not to come to the stations and to postpone their travel plans, assuring that all tickets will be exchangeable or refundable. It is expected that the service will be interrupted at least through the weekend.

People of various nationalities are waiting in the station, which is 2.7 kilometers from the Eiffel Tower. With suitcases in hand, some are sitting on the floor, others standing and making calls, while concern and uncertainty prevail in the place. Children, locals, foreigners, and even pets are waiting inside and outside the station.

Information about the train status is being broadcast through loudspeakers and screens in the station. Announcements of cancellations increase the chaos, with people moving around and seeking explanations or support from station staff who are trying to manage the situation.

Local and international press are waiting outside the main entrance of the station for more information. They are doing live links and interviewing those affected, while all attention is focused on this event, overshadowing the 2024 Olympics.

Police are also on-site, securing the station and ensuring the chaos does not escalate inside and outside the terminal. This attack occurs just hours before the Olympic opening ceremony, adding to the existing concerns in Paris ahead of the major event.