Multiple locations across the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, experienced a significant rail disruption following suspected sabotage to railway tracks, according to the national infrastructure operator ProRail.
ProRail advised travelers in the central and northern regions to anticipate cancellations and delays on Tuesday, noting that the closure of several level crossings may also impact road traffic.
Local media reported that metal pipes had been fastened to the tracks at several points. ProRail said in a statement that the incident appeared to be an intentional disruption caused by human action.
No suspects or motives have been identified yet, and a national police unit is investigating the matter. The BBC has reached out to police for further details.
The operator’s website listed at least 15 disruptions nationwide on Tuesday, affecting routes to Schiphol Airport and Utrecht, among other destinations.
Nederlandse Spoorwegen reported that services in the vicinity of Zwolle, Deventer, and Amersfoort were impacted.
The disruption was so extensive that organizing a bus replacement service proved impossible.
A Eurostar train bound for Paris was delayed due to operational restrictions at Amsterdam Centraal on Tuesday, though it remains unclear whether this was linked to the broader disruption. The BBC has contacted Eurostar for additional information.
ProRail issued a statement: “Materials were discovered at several locations along the track that had been deliberately placed there, causing section malfunctions. Sabotage appears to be involved.”
Footage aired by Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Tuesday captured police officers carrying metal pipes approximately 1.5 metres long away from railway tracks at Veenendaal in central Netherlands.
A train in Steenwijk collided with one of the objects, according to ProRail, though no injuries were reported.
The incident in the Netherlands follows separate reports in French media suggesting a derailment in Normandy on Friday may have been an act of sabotage.
Prosecutors said a section of rail found on the track may have caused the crash. France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has urged caution while the investigation continues, stating that all possible leads are being pursued.
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