Suspected sabotage triggers major rail disruption across the Netherlands
ProRail reports deliberate placement of pipes on tracks, causing widespread cancellations and delays in the country’s centre and north.
Major rail disruptions have affected parts of the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, following suspected sabotage to the tracks. ProRail, the country’s railway infrastructure operator, reported that pipes were found attached to tracks at multiple locations, causing cancellations and delays across the centre and north of the country.
At least 15 disruptions were recorded, impacting routes to Schiphol Airport and Utrecht. Train operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen reported that services around Zwolle, Deventer, and Amersfoort were affected from the morning rush hour. The operator stated that the disruption was so extensive that it was "not possible" to provide a bus replacement service.
In a statement, ProRail said the incident appeared to be "an intentional disruption... caused by human action." The operator added that materials were found at multiple locations in the track that were deliberately placed there, causing section malfunctions. Sabotage appears to be involved, though the national police unit is investigating with no suspects or motives currently identified.
Footage from Dutch public broadcaster NOS showed police removing metal pipes, approximately 1.5 metres long, from tracks in Veenendaal. One train in Steenwijk struck an object, but no injuries were reported. The closure of some level crossings caused additional disruption to roads.
A Eurostar train from Amsterdam to Paris was also delayed due to "operational restrictions" at Amsterdam Centraal, although it was not clear if this was directly linked to the wider rail disruption.
The incident follows separate reports in French media suggesting a derailment in Normandy on Friday could have been an act of sabotage. France’s interior minister Laurent Nunez has urged caution regarding the French incident while an investigation is ongoing.
