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Dutch Rail Network Disrupted After Objects Found on Tracks in Suspected Sabotage

ProRail says the placed materials caused track-circuit failures that stopped signals and level crossings, leaving crews to clear sites while investigators seek who was responsible.

Overview

  • ProRail reported that materials were deliberately placed on tracks at multiple locations and that those objects caused track-circuit failures that disabled signalling and level-crossing mechanisms.
  • The signalling failures forced widespread service disruptions across central and northern routes, with heavy impact reported around Zwolle, Deventer and Amersfoort and limited replacement transport available.
  • ProRail crews are removing the objects and working to restore safe operations but the operator has given no timeline for full service resumption.
  • Authorities have opened an investigation treating the incidents as possible sabotage and have not publicly identified any suspects or motives.
  • The outages also affected road traffic at level crossings and occurred on a day of high public presence in The Hague for a major government event, increasing public and political attention to rail security.