289 travelers stranded, makeshift meal in fields: Paris-Clermont train arrives after 8-hour wait

A locomotive failure stranded 289 passengers for nearly eight hours on Monday, June 15, 2026, as their Intercités train from Paris to Clermont-Ferrand experienced a significant delay. The train broke down shortly before Gien in the Loiret region, halting northbound traffic and forcing subsequent trains to reroute.

SNCF Voyageurs stated that attempts to repair the locomotive remotely failed, necessitating a replacement. During the extended wait, passengers were able to disembark and received assistance from local civil protection services. Photos shared on social media showed passengers walking through fields and receiving meal kits at Gien after the train finally resumed its journey.

In response to the severe disruption, SNCF Voyageurs pledged an exceptional compensation of 200% of the ticket price for all affected passengers. The company expressed sincere regret for the inconvenience caused.

This incident underscores long-standing problems plaguing the Paris-Clermont Intercités line. Frequent and lengthy delays have been attributed to the aging rolling stock, primarily Corail trainsets from the 1980s and 1990s, and the poor condition of the rail network. SNCF Voyageurs and SNCF Réseau are undertaking modernization efforts and have ordered new trains, though their deployment is not expected until late 2027, following previous delays.