A tragedy on the Paris-Lyon line on Christmas Eve: a conductor takes his own life, paralyzing traffic

On the evening of December 24, the Paris-Lyon TGV line was the scene of a human tragedy. Around 8 p.m., a TGV conductor ended his life by jumping from his driver’s cabin, causing the paralysis of the railway traffic. The incident, which occurred near the town of Moisenay, in Seine-et-Marne, led to the immobilization of several trains, about ten of them, carrying a total of more than 3,000 passengers.

Hours of disruption

Travelers were faced with significant delays, ranging from 1.5 to six hours for the most affected trains. In response to the situation, SNCF took exceptional measures, diverting trains to conventional lines and implementing a taxi service for passengers arriving at Gare de Lyon late in the evening. Passengers expressed their anger at the lack of clear information, but some tried to put the situation into perspective, emphasizing that the important thing was that no one had been injured.

Suicide confirmed

The Melun Public Prosecutor confirmed that the incident was the conductor’s suicide, which occurred while the train was in motion. The investigation, entrusted to the Gendarmerie, revealed that the safety systems immediately stopped the train after the driver abandoned his post, thus preventing any danger to the passengers. SNCF expressed its sadness over the tragedy, emphasizing that the entire “cheminot family” was in mourning that day. The Minister of Transport also praised the proper functioning of the security systems, which helped avoid a disaster.

A disrupted Christmas Eve

The Christmas Eve evening, already marked by disruptions, left disappointed and tired passengers. Some lamented the lack of water and poor organization, but others tried to maintain a positive attitude, referring to the incident as a memorable experience. SNCF promised full compensation for passengers affected by delays of more than three hours and organized solutions for travelers impacted by the situation.

The investigation continues

The investigation will determine the reasons for this tragic act, whether professional or personal. For the unions, this event raises profound questions about the working conditions of the conductors. Bernard Aubin, General Secretary of the First Union, expressed his shock, stressing that, despite the speed of the incident, passenger safety was never at risk.

However, the time is now to reflect on the circumstances that led to this tragedy. The investigation will explore the causes, and it will be up to the authorities to determine whether the reasons were professional or personal. Despite the difficult situation, the safety of the passengers was never threatened, and SNCF reassured the public by confirming that the security systems on the train operated as they should.

All passengers affected by the delays, especially those who were stranded during the holiday night, were assisted according to the standard procedures, including taxis, hotel accommodations for missed connections, and full reimbursement for the most affected travelers. SNCF, while mourning the loss, has vowed to support the victims’ families and ensure that such tragedies are thoroughly investigated.