Train derails in northern France, injuring 44 people

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⁠A train derailed between Rouen and Caen in Normandy, northern France, injuring 44 people on ‌Friday (September 11, 2026) evening at around 7:30 p.m. local time, French authorities ‌and the French railway ‌operator ⁠said.

One of those injured is ⁠in a critical state and was evacuated by helicopter, the head of the local ​authority, the prefect, Jean-Benoit ‌Albertini, told reporters.

The train derailed after hitting an unidentified object, a spokesperson for the French police ‌said. The French railway operator, SNCF, ​said that an investigation to identify the cause of the ⁠accident was underway.

The train was carrying 180 passengers and went off ‌the rails near the town of Cleon, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said in a post on X.

There are 140 firefighters at the scene to help the injured and ‌the passengers, he added.

The local authority, ​the prefecture of Seine-Maritime, advised the public to avoid the ⁠area.

The train service between Rouen and ⁠Caen, and Caen and Le Havre was suspended and a replacement ‌bus service will be put in place, SNCF said.

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