On November 14, 2015, a TGV test train derailed and crashed, killing eleven people in a canal outside of Eckwersheim, near Strasbourg. Julien Fay, a TGV technician who was on board the train during the accident, described feeling a strong lateral jolt followed by a strange and unfamiliar sensation as the train approached a curve too quickly and overturned. He recounted the terrifying experience of seeing the entire train lift off the tracks and realizing that they were going to crash.
Several survivors of the TGV Est accident testified in court from April 30 to May 3, providing raw and impactful descriptions of what it was like to derail at nearly 250 kilometers per hour. Their testimonies contrasted sharply with the evasive language used by representatives of the SNCF and its subsidiaries, Systra and SNCF Réseau, who were being tried for involuntary manslaughter and denied any responsibility for the tragedy. The survivors offered a firsthand account of the chaos and devastation that ensued during the crash.
A total of fifty-three people were on board the TGV at the time of the accident, including eighteen SNCF employees and thirty-five guests who were family members of the employees. Eleven people died in the crash, nine of whom were employees, and two were guests. The remaining forty-two passengers suffered varying degrees of injuries. Survivors recounted the harrowing experience of being thrown around the train, hearing the deafening noise of the train scraping against the ground, and the panic of being submerged in water and mud as the three carriages came to rest in a canal.
Over the course of three days, survivors shared their stories of horror and loss during the trial, including witnessing loved ones trapped in twisted seats, broken bodies, and experiencing excruciating pain and fear. The emotional toll of the accident was evident as witnesses described the gruesome scenes of severed body parts, the sound of bones cracking with each breath, and the overwhelming sense of helplessness and despair. The survivors’ testimonies painted a vivid picture of the true devastation and human cost of the TGV derailment.
The courtroom proceedings shed light on the negligence and lack of accountability displayed by the SNCF and its subsidiaries, as they refused to acknowledge any fault in the accident. The survivors’ testimonies served as a powerful reminder of the impact of corporate irresponsibility on human lives and the need for greater safety measures in the railway industry. The tragic events of November 14, 2015, serve as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and ensuring that such devastating accidents are prevented in the future.
