CNN reports Iranian forces may have begun laying mines in the strategic oil route. The US president warns of severe...
Read More
International-News
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.
THE LATEST NEWS
US Spends Over $5 Billion on Ammunition in First Two Days of Iran War
10 Marzo 2026
Pentagon report to Congress highlights rapid use of advanced weapons and rising conflict costs The United States has spent more...
Read More
Elon Musk Remains the World’s Richest Person with $839 Billion Fortune
10 Marzo 2026
Forbes 2026 billionaires ranking highlights record gains for Musk and a surge in global wealth Elon Musk has solidified his...
Read More
Donald Trump says war with Iran is nearing its end
9 Marzo 2026
The U.S. president claims American forces have severely weakened Iran’s military capabilities during the ongoing Operation Epic Fury U.S. President...
Read More
The enriched uranium stockpile at Isfahan at the center of the US-Iran standoff
9 Marzo 2026
After last year’s U.S. strikes, intelligence reports indicate that hundreds of kilograms of enriched uranium remain buried at the Iranian...
Read More
Fire near Glasgow Central station causes building collapse and rail shutdown
9 Marzo 2026
A major blaze in Union Street damaged a historic building near Scotland’s busiest rail hub. Firefighters worked through the night...
Read More
