Dutch railway network disrupted by “sabotage” to tracks
Train services across the Netherlands were disrupted on Tuesday morning in what network operators suspect is an act of co-ordinated...
ProRail, the Dutch railway operator, suspects deliberate sabotage as the cause for extensive disruption of train services across the country on Tuesday morning. A total of 20 locations along the track network experienced security system disruptions, rendering it impossible for trains to operate. Railway workers discovered "materials" deliberately placed on the tracks during their 5.30am inspection, which set off sensors monitoring train presence, triggering safety systems and causing red signals.
Delays were most severe in the north of Utrecht, but the disturbances were widespread, impacting services nation-wide. Train operator NS expects services through Utrecht and Zwolle to resume around 10am. The Reisplanner app, which aids travelers in planning their journeys, was also offline during the morning rush hour. NS has urged the public to check the app before embarking on their journeys.
Speculation suggests the sabotage may have been coordinated with Prinsjesdag, a significant event marking the state opening of parliament in The Hague. This day witnesses thousands of individuals traveling across the Netherlands to witness King Willem-Alexander's carriage procession and annual speech outlining the government's legislative agenda.
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