Passengers across the Netherlands, particularly in central and northern regions, faced cancellations and delays on Tuesday after objects were discovered on several railway lines, the national rail infrastructure operator ProRail said. Several level crossings also malfunctioned, adding to disruption for commuters and longer-distance travellers.
ProRail described the incident as "an intentional disruption... caused by human action" and said that the presence of materials on the track had produced section malfunctions. The operator warned customers to expect cancelled and delayed services while the situation is assessed and repaired.
Footage shown by Dutch public broadcaster NOS captured police at Veenendaal in the central Netherlands carrying what appeared to be metal pipes, about 1.5 metres long, off the lines. Authorities have not reported any arrests, and no motive has been released.
A national police unit is handling the investigation into the incidents. Police and ProRail officials are working to establish how the materials were deposited on the tracks and whether the events are linked across the affected sites.
For now the immediate consequence is continued travel disruption and an ongoing operational response by rail staff and emergency services. Passengers were advised to check service updates before travelling while investigators and engineers clear affected track sections and diagnose faults at level crossings.
