Train crash overshadows French getaway

France’s annual summer getaway has been overshadowed by a train crash in the centre of the country which left 13 people injured, one critically.

A cross-country train travelling at 110 kph came off the rails after hitting a trailer full of hay which had fallen onto the line. SNCF technicians worked all night to clear the wreckage.

The accident happened just south of Limoges. The line was completely blocked and services between Paris and the southwest were severely disrupted.

This weekend sees the start of the summer break, as the so-called Juilletistes, those who go away in July, head for the sun. Nearly one and a half million holidaymakers are expected to use France’s high-speed TGV and local trains this weekend alone.