Guillaume Pepy mentions a possible manufacturing defect during his testimony

The one who was president of the SNCF from February 2008 to October 2019 appeared moved at the trial as a witness, and wanted to bring his compassion to the families of victims. ” I immediately wanted to tell them how much I feel in total solidarity and deep compassion with them. You don’t take the train to have an accident. “

The train derailment in 2013 killed seven people and injured several hundred. After the accident, the railway company through the voice of its former boss had taken responsibility for the tragedy by talking about a maintenance problem.

But part of the discourse has changed. At trial, Guillaume Pepy ensures that if the maintenance was not optimal, it is not the only cause of the accident and that all avenues have not been explored. The former boss pointed out at the helm that a manufacturing defect in the splint, this metal part which caused the derailment, could also have been responsible for the accident.

A testimony that did not convince the civil parties for whom the preferred scenario remains that established on the very evening of the accident. In this trial, the SNCF risks a fine of up to 225,000 euros.