The Netherlands' railway infrastructure operator, ProRail, reported major rail disruptions across the central and northern parts of the country on Tuesday due to suspected sabotage. Objects were discovered on tracks at multiple locations, prompting ProRail to issue a statement describing the event as "an intentional disruption... caused by human action." National police have launched an investigation into the incidents.
The disruptions affected travel to major hubs, including Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Schiphol international airport. ProRail reported that materials were deliberately placed on the tracks, causing section malfunctions. The national train operator, Nederlandse Spoorwegen, stated that the extent of the disruption made it impossible to provide bus replacement services for affected routes.
According to local media and footage from broadcaster NOS, the objects found included metal pipes approximately 1.5 meters (5 feet) long. ProRail confirmed that one train in the city of Steenwijk struck one of these objects, but no injuries were reported. In addition to rail delays, the closure of some level crossings resulted in disruptions to local road traffic.
The disruption affects commuters and travelers across the Netherlands, particularly those utilizing the central and northern networks. While the source does not provide a specific headcount of affected passengers, the impact reached Schiphol airport and major transit cities like Utrecht, Zwolle, and Amersfoort. A Eurostar service from Amsterdam to Paris also reported delays on Tuesday due to "operational restrictions," though a direct link to the track objects was not confirmed.
For travelers, the immediate effect was the cancellation of scheduled services without the availability of alternative bus transportation. Those traveling to or from the airport faced delays, and motorists encountered blocked routes at level crossings. The cost of these delays to the national economy or individual businesses was not reported by the operators.
The incident follows a separate report of a derailment in Normandy, France, on Friday that prosecutors believe may have involved a section of rail placed on the track. In the Netherlands, investigators have not yet identified suspects or a motive. Repair crews and police must clear the tracks of all foreign objects before full service can resume, and officials have not yet provided a time for the total restoration of the network.