France, TGV driver suicide by jumping off train: safety system averts disaster

A French train driver commits suicide by throwing himself from the moving train. Technology prevents a tragedy aboard the high-speed train

On December 24, Christmas Eve, a dramatic incident took place on a TGV train in France. The driver of the convoy, which was traveling on the Southeast line at high speed, suddenly left the driver’s cab while the train was in motion. This act potentially endangered the safety of passengers on board, but fortunately the train’s automatic stop system prevented a tragedy.

The immediate response from SNCF and the minister of transportation

The SNCF railway company confirmed that as soon as the driver left his seat, the safety system immediately took control, stopping the train safely without endangering the lives of passengers. The traffic management center was promptly notified.

Philippe Tabarot, minister of transportation, said the accident occurred around 8 p.m. in the Seine-et-Marne department. It was speculated that the driver had tried to take his own life a few kilometers earlier, but the safety system prevented more serious consequences.

The VACMA system: automatic protection for the driver

SNCF explained that the VACMA (Automatic Control with Support) safety system is designed to constantly monitor the driver’s presence. The system forces the driver to periodically press a pedal or button every 30 seconds. If the driver does not respond within five seconds, an alarm in the cab is activated. If the alarm is not deactivated within three seconds, the train stops automatically, thanks to the activation of the emergency braking system.

Consequences for passengers and delays on trains

Thanks to the timely intervention of the safety system, no passengers were involved in dangerous situations. However, the immobilization of the train caused significant inconvenience. Delays on TGV trains, both arriving and departing from Gare de Lyon, were between three and five hours, with thousands of passengers forced to deal with waiting on Christmas Eve.

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