The high-speed rail network in France was subjected to widespread and "criminal" sabotage today, Friday, including arson attacks, resulting in the disruption of travel to Paris from various parts of France and Europe just hours before the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics.

French officials described the attacks as "criminal acts" and stated that they are investigating whether they are linked to the Olympics. They indicated that the disruptions, which capture the world's attention in Paris, are expected to affect a quarter of a million people just on Friday and continue throughout the weekend, possibly for longer.

Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete described the individuals who fled the fire locations, and the incendiary devices discovered indicate that these are criminal fires.

Vergriete, speaking to BFM TV, noted that the incidents crippled many high-speed lines connecting Paris to the rest of France and neighboring countries.

The attack comes against the backdrop of global tensions and heightened security measures as the city prepares for the 2024 Olympic Games. Many travelers were planning to gather in the capital to attend the opening ceremony, and numerous tourists were also en route.

While Paris authorities were preparing for a stunning display along the Seine River amidst tight security measures, three fires were reported near the tracks on the Atlantic, North, and East high-speed lines. The disruptions particularly affected the main Montparnasse station in Paris, and videos posted on social media showed the station's hall crowded with travelers.

Laurent Nuñez, head of the Paris police, told France Info TV that the Paris police "focused their personnel at the Paris train stations" following the "massive attack" that crippled the high-speed rail network.

Many passengers at Gare du Nord, one of the busiest train stations in Europe, were seeking answers and solutions on Friday morning. All eyes were on the central message boards where most services to northern France, Belgium, and the UK were delayed.

Sarah Mosley, 42, expressed her frustration when she learned that her train to London was delayed by an hour: "It's a hellish way to start the Olympics."

Corey Granger, a 37-year-old Australian sales manager heading to London, said while resting on his bags in the middle of the station: "They should have more information for tourists, especially if it's a malicious attack."

Travel from and to London through the English Channel, and to neighboring Belgium, as well as across western, northern, and eastern France, was affected by what the French national railway described as a series of coordinated incidents that occurred overnight.

Government officials condemned these acts, although they stated there was no immediate indication of a direct link to the Olympics. The national police announced that authorities are investigating the incidents. French media reported that a major fire broke out on a busy western road.

Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra stated that authorities are working to "assess the impact on travelers and athletes and ensure the transportation of all delegations to the competition venues" for the Olympics. She added in her remarks on BFM TV: "Playing against the Games is playing against France, against your camp, against your country." She did not identify who was behind the acts of vandalism.

Authorities warned passengers at St. Pancras station in London of potential delays of up to about an hour on their Eurostar train journeys. Announcements in the departure lounge of the international station informed travelers heading to Paris about a problem with the overhead power supply.

The French national railway stated that it does not know when traffic will resume and fears that disruptions may "continue throughout the weekend at least." The company added that its teams "were already on-site to carry out diagnostics and begin repairs," but "the situation is expected to last throughout the weekend at least while repairs are carried out." The French national railway advised "all passengers to postpone their trip and not go to the station," clarifying in its press statement that all tickets are exchangeable and refundable.

Valérie Pécresse, president of the Greater Paris regional council, stated that "250,000 passengers will be affected today across all these lines." Replacement plans were underway, but Pécresse advised travelers "not to go to the stations."

These disruptions come ahead of the scheduled opening ceremony later on Friday, where 7,000 Olympic athletes are set to sail on the Seine River in front of famous Parisian landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Orsay Museum.