Major rail disruptions have impacted the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, following suspected sabotage of the tracks, according to the country's railway operator, ProRail. Passengers in the central and northern regions of the country faced cancellations and delays on Tuesday, with several level crossings also experiencing malfunctions.
ProRail reported that pipes were found attached to the tracks at multiple locations. In a statement, the operator described the incident as an "intentional disruption... caused by human action." Authorities have not yet identified any suspects or motives, and the national police unit has launched an investigation. The BBC has reached out to the police for comment.
The railway network's website indicated that 15 disruptions were recorded across the country on Tuesday. Routes serving the main international airport, Schiphol, and the city of Utrecht were among those affected.
Footage shared by Dutch public broadcaster NOS showed police at Veenendaal in the central Netherlands removing what appeared to be metal pipes, approximately 1.5 meters long, from the railway tracks. ProRail stated that "materials were found at multiple locations in the track that were deliberately placed there. This causes section malfunctions. Sabotage appears to be involved."