A train carrying 186 passengers derailed in northwest France on Friday, injuring 44 people, one of them seriously, officials said.

The train was running between the Normandy cities of Rouen and Caen, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said on X.

It derailed around 7:45 pm (1745 GMT), local authorities said in a statement, and a mass-casualty response plan had been activated, with 130 firefighters, five medical teams and 80 vehicles deployed.

"Suddenly there were a few jolts, and then after about three seconds it got stronger and stronger," one of the passengers, Louis, 24, told ICI Normandie radio.

"I couldn’t stay in my seat any more," he said. "The windows partially shattered, the stones from the track came into the carriage. It was really shocking. I’m still shaking."