Mistake Over 'Sabotage' Causes Widespread Train Disruptions in the Netherlands

Train movements across large parts of the Netherlands came to a near standstill on Tuesday, following incidents believed to be coordinated acts of sabotage involving the placement of pipes on railway lines at multiple locations, according to France 24.

Travel by train became nearly impossible in most central and eastern regions of the Netherlands after authorities discovered objects placed on the tracks.

The railway operator, ProRail, stated in a statement: "Objects were deliberately placed on railway tracks at multiple locations."

"This causes failures in sections of the network. It appears to be sabotage."

ProRail explained that its electronic systems interpret the presence of an object on the track as a train occupying that section—even when no train is present.

This triggers all signals in the affected section to turn red, preventing trains from passing.

ProRail spokesperson Yoke van der Kruis said a train collided with one of the pipes, but no injuries were reported.

The company added: "It is not yet known who is behind this or what their motives are," noting that police have launched an investigation.

The resumption of train services remains uncertain.

Sabotage effects also disrupted road traffic, as level crossings between roads and railways were disabled.