A tragic event occurred on Christmas Eve when a train driver died by suicide, jumping from his cab while the train was in motion. Fortunately, over 400 passengers aboard France’s high-speed SNCF train survived thanks to its safety technology.
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The incident occurred around 8 p.m. in the Seine-et-Marne region, east of Paris, PEOPLE reported. Authorities identified the driver as 52-year-old Bruno Rejony and stated that he reportedly exited the moving train, leaving it unattended. His body was later found near the train tracks. To prevent further tragedy, the train’s technology, known as “Automatic Standby with Downforce Control,” detected that no driver was operating it and immediately stopped the train.
Currently, SNCF and French authorities have launched an investigation into the tragedy. In a statement, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot praised the safety system for preventing further harm. “It could have been more serious if [the driver] had wanted to derail his train.” He also revealed that the driver had dealt with personal issues before the incident.
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Crew members aboard the train initially believed the driver might have been incapacitated when the train stopped unexpectedly. A staff member forced open the driver’s cab door from the outside, only to find it empty. The grim discovery of Rejony’s body later confirmed the tragic nature of the event.
The incident caused disruptions to train traffic and trains were rerouted via conventional lines, leading to delays. However, SNCF ensured that all passengers reached their destinations with the help of taxis. Operations resumed on Christmas Day after authorities issued clearance.
