top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

Major train delays due to naked man on tracks

A major French train station was totally closed down during rush hour this morning after a naked man was seen walking on the tracks.

Authorities at the Lille-Flandres station were forced to cut the electric current to the rails - not only to protect the man, but also to allow the police to search for him - and stopped all trains in and out of the station at prime commuter travelling time.

The naked man reportedly began playing a game of ‘hide and seek’ with the police as they searched for him, and was able to escape without being caught, reported local newspaper La Voix Du Nord.

Trains cautiously began to move again, although some are still operating with an hour’s delay or more.

Travellers took to Twitter to express their frustrations with the delays, especially as commuters were not initially told how long they would be waiting.

Photos on social media show the entire station brought to a standstill, with hundreds of passengers waiting around inside, waiting for news and services.

The naked man, who caused the problem in the first place, has still not been caught, and police are searching for him, although it is thought that he is no longer in danger or at risk of disrupting future travel.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France