Train Collision Causes Major Disruption for Passengers
On Friday, November 29, a Ouigo train traveling from Paris to Toulouse faced a significant disruption after colliding with a vehicle at a level crossing near Marmande, in Lot-et-Garonne. The incident occurred shortly before 4 p.m., leading to a seven-hour ordeal for nearly 900 passengers onboard. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or the train crew, and the driver of the vehicle managed to escape with minor shock after the collision.
The train, which had departed Paris at 12:33 p.m. and was scheduled to arrive in Toulouse at 5:33 p.m., was immobilized for five hours as diagnostics and safety tests were conducted. Passengers were eventually evacuated to Marmande station around 9 p.m., but they faced further delays as they waited for alternative transport to continue their journey. Many expressed their frustration over the lack of supplies and information during this extended wait, with some passengers taking to social media to voice their dissatisfaction.
Passenger Frustration and Lack of Supplies
Passengers reported feeling abandoned, with no food or water provided during the lengthy delay. Anna Toumazoff, a journalist and influencer on board, highlighted the dire situation, stating, "Babies, elderly people, and still no supplies... we are waiting in the cold and without information." Another passenger echoed these sentiments, criticizing the absence of basic amenities on the train. The SNCF, France's national railway company, acknowledged the situation and expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to customers, emphasizing their commitment to passenger care.
After several hours of waiting, a specially prepared train stocked with water and meal boxes finally departed Marmande for Toulouse around 11 p.m. SNCF confirmed that rail traffic was able to resume on one track in both directions, allowing for a gradual return to normal operations throughout the evening.
