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Parts of the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, have been hit by major rail disruption after suspected sabotage to the tracks, the country’s railway infrastructure operator has said.
ProRail warned that passengers in the country’s centre and north should expect cancellations and delays on Tuesday, while the closure of some level crossings could cause disruption to roads.
Pipes and cables were placed on the tracks in multiple locations, according to local media. In a statement, ProRail said the incident appeared to be “an intentional disruption… caused by human action”.
It added that no suspects or motives had been identified. Police said a criminal investigation had been launched.
“Objects were found on railway tracks at several locations across the country, causing major disruption to rail traffic,” Dutch police said in a statement.
The network’s website showed that at least 15 disruptions had been recorded across the country on Tuesday, with routes to the main international airport, Schiphol, and Utrecht also affected.
Train operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen said services around Zwolle, Deventer, and Amersfoot had been disrupted.
It added that the disruption was so extensive it was “not possible” to provide a bus replacement service.
In an update on Tuesday afternoon it said train service was gradually resuming but with some delays and cancellations.
