The Dutch railway system experienced disruptions across multiple areas after incidents suspected to be sabotage at dozens of locations. Authorities have begun investigating the facts.
Foreign news agencies reported that railway networks in several parts of the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, faced severe disruptions on the morning of Tuesday, 15 Sep 2026 GMT+7, following incidents suspected to be "sabotage" at over 35 railway points. This affected key routes such as Schiphol Airport, Eindhoven, and Utrecht.
ProRail, the Dutch state-owned company responsible for railway infrastructure, stated that pipes and wires were placed across tracks in the central and northern regions. This caused the computer system to mistakenly detect trains on the tracks, preventing control centers from releasing trains. There was also a case of a train hitting metal objects near Steenwijk College, but fortunately no injuries were reported.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten condemned the acts as causing "distress and life-threatening danger." The Public Prosecution Service and the AIVD intelligence agency, together with the police, have opened a criminal investigation but have not yet identified any suspects or motives.
These events coincided with the opening of the parliamentary session and the budget proposal, during which the Farmers Defence Force (FDF) protested against plans to reduce nitrogen emissions by setting fire to hay bales on roads. However, the group denied involvement in the railway sabotage, and police found no connections.
The turmoil in the Dutch rail system came shortly after a suspicious train accident in France. Media reported that a train derailment in Normandy on Friday, 11 Sep 2026 GMT+7, might also be sabotage. French authorities are investigating all possibilities.
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Source:bbc