Dutch rail network crippled by suspected sabotage
Rail travel in large parts of the Netherlands ground to a standstill on Tuesday, after what authorities suspect were coordinated acts of sabotage with tubes attached to train tracks in multiple locations. Transport by train in most of the central and eastern parts of the country was virtually impossible after authorities discovered items on the tracks in around 30 separate places. “Materials were…
Rail travel across large parts of the Netherlands came to a halt on Tuesday, with authorities suspecting coordinated sabotage. Train services in most central and eastern regions were severely disrupted after items were found on the tracks at around 30 locations. ProRail, the rail operator, stated that deliberate placement of materials caused section malfunctions, triggering red lights that prevented trains from passing through.
Though one train did collide with a tube, there were no injuries reported. The cause and motive behind the sabotage remains unknown, as a police investigation is underway. The incident coincided with Prince's Day, during which the government outlines its budget plans. Farmers, protesting the government's plans, set hay bales alight on country roads, but no roads were closed due to their actions.
Extinction Rebellion, a climate group, threw red paint onto the route of Prince Willem-Alexander's speech, but they denied involvement in the train sabotage. ProRail condemned the disruption, deeming it dangerous and unacceptable, while expressing regret that no accidents occurred.
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