A 30-year-old Polish man residing in France has been charged with manslaughter following a railway accident involving a TGV train on April 8th.
Train Collision in France
A TGV train traveling from Dunkirk to Paris collided with a truck at a railway crossing between Béthune and Lens on Tuesday morning.
The train was traveling at approximately 130-140 km/h at the time of the impact, carrying 246 passengers.
Legal Consequences for Driver
Under French law, manslaughter resulting from an unintentional traffic accident with aggravating circumstances carries a potential sentence of up to seven years imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 euros.
Tests revealed no alcohol or drugs in the Polish driver’s system.
Cargo and Driver Status
The truck was transporting a “mobile military bridge” to France, which had been used during exercises in Belgium, according to the French army.
Prosecutors confirmed the driver is a civilian.
Rail Service Disruption
Railway traffic on the line was completely suspended following the accident.
The French National Railway Company (SNCF) announced on Wednesday that service is expected to resume on April 18th.
Ministerial Response
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot visited the scene on Tuesday and expressed his condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
Tabarot stated the tragedy underscores the need for continued investment in and securing of railway lines, particularly in light of a transport framework bill under review by the Senate.
