A tragic incident on Christmas Eve has caused widespread travel disruptions across France, affecting thousands of passengers during one of the busiest travel times of the year.
A TGV train driver, Bruno Rejony, reportedly committed suicide by jumping from his moving train on December 24, around 8 PM local time. The incident occurred on the Paris-Sud-Est line, near the commune of Crisenoy, south of Seine-et-Marne. This shocking act immediately set off the train's automatic emergency protocols, which safely halted the vehicle.
According to the Société nationale des chemins de fer français (SNCF), Rejony's actions did not jeopardize the safety of passengers onboard — the train's safety systems functioned as intended, ensuring no immediate danger ensued. SNCF stated, "The driver committed suicide during the train's operation," emphasizing the lack of threat to passengers.
The immediate aftermath left approximately 3,000 passengers stranded and severely delayed; many experienced wait times from three up to five hours as train services were heavily disrupted. The delays primarily affected long-distance TGV and Ouigo services traveling between Paris and the southeastern regions of France. Passengers on various services took to social media to express their frustration, remarking on how their Christmas Eve plans were thrown off course.
One disgruntled traveler tweeted, "Great, I am stuck on a TGV, no water, no food. Really, thank you for this Christmas Eve, SNCF." Reports indicated the situation at Paris Gare de Lyon was particularly chaotic, with trains arriving up to five hours late.
Local authorities, including the prosecutor's office in Melun, indicated the initial investigation hints toward suicide, acknowledging the emotional ramifications of this event for both the driver's family and the broader railway community. Rejony's death has provoked not only operational questions but also sparked complex feelings of loss and solidarity among his colleagues.
Stéphane Colin, deputy secretary of the CGT Cheminots de Saint-Étienne, expressed deep sorrow, stating, "We have lost someone important. There is a son and daughter who no longer have their father. There are parents who have lost their son. A little dignity for them.” His comments spotlight the human aspect of this tragedy, reminding the public of the personal toll such events can take.
This incident arrives amid criticisms of how rapidly information was shared by SNCF and the media, with some union officials labeling premature reports as untactful, calling for respectful discourse surrounding the tragedy. The CGT Cheminots condemned the sensational reporting style, advocating for more compassionate acknowledgment of those affected.
While SNCF confirmed its commitment to passenger safety by implementing effective emergency protocols, it will now also have to address the emotional and psychological safety of its workforce following this incident. An official apology acknowledging the significant impact on so many lives seems warranted, not just from the organization but from the wider public narrative.
The railway operator has promised full compensation for the most affected travelers, underscoring their responsibility toward their customers amid such unforeseen events. Travel is slowly beginning to return to normal, but the echoes of this Christmas Eve tragedy linger on the minds of those impacted.
Investigations are still underway as authorities seek to unravel the factors contributing to this grave act. The railway community and Rejony's family are left to grapple with the loss of their loved one amid the chaos and upheaval of the holiday season.
