Train derailment in north-western France injures 44 people

A passenger train carrying 186 people derailed between the Normandy cities of Rouen and Caen in north-western France at about 7.45pm on Friday, injuring 44 people, Al Jazeera reported.

An 18-year-old woman was evacuated by helicopter to Rouen University Hospital after being reported in critical condition. The remaining injuries were not detailed in the supplied report.

Local authorities activated a mass-casualty response, deploying 130 firefighters, five medical teams and 80 vehicles. Rail traffic was suspended and power to the tracks was cut to support the emergency operation.

SNCF Réseau, which manages France’s rail network, said the priority was caring for passengers and restoring safe operating conditions.

Initial drug and alcohol tests on the driver were negative, but police and rail authorities had not established the cause of the derailment.