Driverless High-Speed Train Drama Unfolds on French Railways on Christmas Eve
In a dramatic turn of events on Christmas Eve, a high-speed train en route from Paris to Saint-Etienne in central France became a driverless EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) after its controller attempted suicide by jumping off the train while it was in motion. The incident could have been catastrophic, but for the swift action by automated systems and railroad staff.
The locomotive, part of France’s SNCF fleet, was traveling at a speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) when the unidentified driver decided to leave his post and end his life. In a matter of seconds, the onboard automation system detected the absence of a driver and immediately initiated an emergency stop. The train’s sophisticated brakes slowed it down to a safe halt within a minute, averting what could have been a major tragedy.
Philippe Tabarot, France’s Minister of Transport, revealed that a staff member noticed the absence of the driver in the cab and alerted others. It was speculated that the driver had jumped off the train near Lyon-Part-Dieu station, just before reaching his intended destination.
The French national railway company, SNCF, confirmed that no passengers were injured during the incident. A body later found along the tracks was identified to be that of 52-year-old Bruno Rejony, an experienced and highly regarded driver who had been with the company for 27 years. Reports suggest Rejony was experiencing personal difficulties and was allegedly ‘extremely depressed,’ as quoted by La Parisien.
Rejony’s colleagues allegedly expressed concerns about his mental health prior to the incident. Tommorrow’s Union, a French transport union, extended their sympathies while also questioning how a struggling employee could slip through the cracks. The union demanded that SNCF strengthen its mental health support for staff, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ins and adequate resources.
France’s public prosecutor in Melun has since opened an investigation to determine the cause of death. SNCF has been cooperating fully with authorities, and a statement is expected from the company forthcoming.
