Lyon, July 25 – A person died after being hit by a TER train on the Lyon-Valence line yesterday, Friday, July 24. This incident, which occurred around 5:00 PM near Vienne, led to significant disruptions in railway traffic for several hours.
Fatal Accident Near Vienne
The tragedy took place at Chemin des Mines in Vienne, where a person was struck by a train traveling between Lyon and Valence. According to information from Le Dauphiné Libéré, the victim did not survive the violent impact. As of now, the identity of the deceased has not been established.
This fatal accident followed a separate incident earlier the same day, also around 5:00 PM, where another person was hit by a TER train on the Lyon-Grenoble line, near Saint-Egrève-Saint-Robert in Isère. While details on the first incident are less clear regarding the outcome, the second proved fatal.
Major Disruptions to Rail Traffic
Both incidents caused extensive interruptions to TER services on the affected lines. The Lyon-Valence line remained closed for several hours, extending late into the evening. SNCF deployed buses from Perrache station in Lyon to transport stranded passengers to their destinations, facilitating their return home.
The railway company has not yet provided specific details regarding the circumstances of the accidents, including whether they were accidental or intentional. Investigations are expected to clarify the exact causes of these tragic events.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Concerns
This event highlights ongoing concerns regarding railway safety and the impact of such incidents on public transportation. Earlier reports from the region include a two-year-old child being struck by a car near Lyon and a truck driver being held at gunpoint south of Lyon, requiring BRI intervention. These incidents underscore the varied challenges faced by residents and emergency services in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
SNCF’s Response and Passenger Impact
The immediate response from SNCF focused on managing the disruptions and assisting passengers. While the deployment of replacement buses helped mitigate some of the inconvenience, many travelers experienced significant delays and disruptions to their Friday evening plans. The incident on the Lyon-Valence line was particularly impactful due to its fatal outcome and the prolonged closure of a major rail artery.
Local authorities, including emergency services and law enforcement, were on site to manage the situation, conduct preliminary investigations, and ensure public safety. The full impact of these disruptions on the daily commute and regional connectivity will be assessed in the coming days.
The community awaits further information regarding the identity of the victim and the findings of the ongoing investigations into the cause of this tragic accident.
