Suspected sabotage causes major Netherlands rail disruption

The Netherlands experienced significant rail disruption on Tuesday, with ProRail attributing the issue to suspected sabotage of the tracks. The railway infrastructure operator warned passengers in the country's central and northern regions to anticipate cancellations and delays. Pipes were discovered attached to the tracks in multiple locations, according to local media, suggesting an intentional disruption by human action.

No suspects or motives had been identified, but the national police unit was investigating the incident. At least 15 disruptions were recorded across the country, affecting routes to major international airports such as Schiphol and Utrecht. Train operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen reported disruptions around Zwolle, Deventer, and Amersfoort, noting that the extent of the disruption made bus replacement services impractical.

Additionally, a Eurostar train from Amsterdam to Paris faced delays due to operational restrictions at Amsterdam Centraal, though it was unclear if the disruption was linked to the broader issue. Footage showed police removing what appeared to be metal pipes, about 1.5 meters (5 feet) long, from railway tracks in Veenendaal. ProRail confirmed materials were deliberately placed on sections of the track, causing section malfunctions.

A derailment in Normandy, France, on Friday, which could have been an act of sabotage, also raised concerns, though French authorities urged caution while investigating all leads.