A high-speed TGV train traveling from Bordeaux to Paris was delayed for over six hours after it struck a person on the tracks, according to reports from a journalist aboard the train. The incident occurred just twenty minutes into the journey, prompting an immediate response from emergency services, including firefighters, police, and funeral services. The train's crew provided water bottles to vulnerable passengers, such as the elderly and children, during the extended stop in sweltering heat, with air conditioning functioning in most carriages.

The train remained stationary on the tracks for more than four hours before eventually returning to its departure station in Bordeaux. The damage from the collision necessitated a change of trains, adding to the passengers' ordeal. The original train's driver, deeply affected by the incident, was replaced later in the evening, highlighting the emotional toll such events take on railway staff.

Passengers faced further confusion and discomfort during the transfer to a replacement train in Bordeaux, with issues arising from fatigue and misnumbered carriages. The replacement train departed Bordeaux around 2:50 AM, arriving in Paris at 5:25 AM, significantly later than the original schedule. The train's crew informed passengers that, due to the late hour, the train would not operate at its usual high speed, instead traveling between 200 and 250 km/h.

This tragic event underscores the challenges and delays that can arise from incidents on the rail network, affecting not only the schedules but also the well-being of passengers and crew. The railway authorities' response, including the provision of care for vulnerable passengers and the arrangement of a replacement train, demonstrates the protocols in place to manage such unforeseen circumstances.