France: More than 40 injured in train derailment

A train derailed on Friday evening on the route between the cities of Rouen and Caen in Normandy, northwest France, local authorities said.

At least 44 people were injured in the accident, which occurred near the town of Cleon at around 7:54 p.m. local time (17:54 UTC).

One of ​the injured, a young woman, was in a critical state and was evacuated by helicopter to Rouen, the local authority said in a statement.

The train was carrying around 180 passengers when it derailed, national rail company SNCF and the local authority said. 

What else do we know about the train derailment?

French Transport Minister Tabarot said 140 firefighters were at the scene.

Local authorities have urged the public to avoid the area.

The French rail network operator SNCF Reseau said traffic on the line had been suspended.

"The priority is to care for the passengers and then to restore safe operating conditions," SNCF Reseau said.

​A police spokesperson said the train derailed after hitting an unidentified object. 

The cause of the accident is being investigated, national rail company SNCF said.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your Preferred Source on Google, so you'll always see our verified news first.