Parts of the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, experienced significant rail disruptions due to suspected sabotage of the tracks, according to ProRail, the country's railway infrastructure operator. Passengers in the central and northern regions were warned to expect cancellations and delays on Tuesday, with some level crossings closed, potentially affecting road traffic.
Local media reported that pipes were attached to the tracks at multiple locations. ProRail stated that the incident seemed to be an intentional disruption caused by human action. No suspects or motives have been identified, and the national police unit is currently investigating.
On Tuesday, the network's website indicated that at least 15 disruptions were recorded nationwide, impacting routes to major locations such as Schiphol Airport and Utrecht. Train operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen reported disruptions in areas around Zwolle, Deventer, and Amersfoort, noting that the extent of the disruption made it impossible to provide bus replacement services.
A Eurostar train traveling from Amsterdam to Paris was also delayed due to operational restrictions at Amsterdam Centraal, although it remains unclear if this was related to the broader disruptions. ProRail confirmed that materials were deliberately placed on the tracks, leading to section malfunctions.
Footage from Dutch public broadcaster NOS showed police removing what appeared to be metal pipes, approximately 1.5 meters long, from railway tracks in Veenendaal. ProRail reported that one train in Steenwijk struck one of the objects, but there were no injuries.
This disruption follows reports from French media suggesting that a derailment in Normandy on Friday may have also been an act of sabotage, with prosecutors indicating that a section of rail found on the track could have caused the crash. France's interior minister, Laurent Nunez, has urged caution as the investigation continues, stating that authorities are exploring all leads.