At least 44 injured as train derails in Normandy, France

A regional train derailed in Normandy, France, on Friday evening, injuring at least 44 people, including one woman reported in critical condition. The accident occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time on September 11, 2026, near the commune of Cléon, between the towns of Tourville-la-Rivière and Elbeuf-Saint-Aubin. The train was operating on the Rouen-Caen route when it left the tracks, with one carriage tipping over and four carriages derailing. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed that 140 firefighters were dispatched to the scene. "At this time, the provisional report indicates about twenty injured," Tabarot stated, adding that emergency services were coordinating with the prefect and SNCF teams. The prefecture of Normandy and Seine-Maritime estimated that approximately 200 passengers were on board, while the transport minister cited a figure of about 180. Among the injured, an 18-year-old woman was reported to be in critical condition, with 43 other passengers sustaining minor injuries. Local reports indicated that some passengers were hurt by broken glass and objects dislodged during the impact. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.