Suspected sabotage disrupts Dutch rail services
Materials placed on tracks disrupted services around Zwolle, Deventer and Amersfoort, with ProRail reporting track-circuit failures and affected level crossings.
Dutch rail services were severely disrupted on 15 September after materials were deliberately placed on tracks at several locations, according to rail infrastructure company ProRail.
National passenger operator NS said services around Zwolle, Deventer and Amersfoort were affected from the morning rush hour. ProRail said the objects caused track-circuit failures and disrupted several level crossings, also affecting road traffic.
ProRail described the incident as possible sabotage, but responsibility and motive have not been established. The company said its workers were removing the materials and restoring safe conditions.
ProRail did not publicly specify the objects. A spokesperson told de Volkskrant that pipes had been found attached to the line at several locations.
The spokesperson also said a train had collided with one of the pipes. No injuries were reported. No connection has been established between the disruption and Prinsjesdag, the Dutch government’s annual budget presentation.
