Train in the Netherlands. Photo: Shutterstock Train services across parts of the central and northern Netherlands were severely disrupted Tuesday morning, September 15, after materials were deliberately placed at multiple locations on railway tracks, according to rail infrastructure operator ProRail.
Pro Rail. Photo: PixelBiss / Shutterstock.comThe disruption began at around 5:30 a.m. on September 15 and affected train traffic across a wide area. Passengers were warned to expect delays, cancellations and longer journey times, while several malfunctioning level crossings also caused problems for road traffic.
By 8 a.m., ProRail said materials had been deliberately placed on the tracks, causing failures in the railway section detection system. The operator said sabotage appeared to be involved.
A later update at 10:25 a.m. said the disruption appeared to have been intentionally caused by human action. The national police unit is investigating, while the person or people responsible and their motive remain unknown.
ProRail said its security and detection systems identified the problem, allowing train traffic to be halted or adjusted for safety. At one location in Steenwijk, a train struck the material or rolling stock involved in the disruption, but ProRail said there were no consequences for the train.
Railway workers were sent to multiple locations to remove the materials and make the tracks safe. Services were being restored where possible, although passengers were advised to check the latest information before starting their journeys.
The disruption affected the central and northern parts of the Netherlands and created significant problems during the morning commute. ProRail said it was working closely with emergency services and other relevant authorities while the investigation continued.
For travelers, the situation means that journeys through affected parts of the Dutch rail network may take considerably longer than usual. ProRail is continuing to publish updates as repair and safety work progresses.