Suspected sabotage causes major Netherlands rail disruption

15 September 2026, 10: 02 BST. Updated 1 minute ago.

Key points

• Train operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen remarked services around Zwolle, Deventer, and Amersfoot had been disrupted.
• 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 remarked.
• One train in the city of Steenwijk struck one of the objects, ProRail remarked, but went on there were no injuries consequently.
• The disruption in the Netherlands came after separate reports in French media suggested a derailment in Normandy on Friday could have been an act of sabotage.
• ProRail remarked in an official note: Materials were identified at multiple locations in the track that were deliberately placed there.

While the closure of some level crossings could cause disruption to roads, proRail cautioned that passengers in the country's centre and north should expect cancellations and delays on Tuesday.

Pipes were attached to the tracks in multiple locations, according to local media. In an official note, ProRail remarked the incident appeared to be "an intentional disruption. Caused by human action".

It continued that no suspects or motives had been identified, but the national police unit was investigating. The BBC has contacted police for comment.

In practice, the network's website indicated that at least 15 disruptions had been recorded nationwide on Tuesday, with routes to the main international airport, Schiphol, and Utrecht additionally affected.

It continued that the disruption was so extensive it was "not possible" to provide a bus replacement service.

Although it was not clear if this was linked to wider disruption, a Eurostar train from Amsterdam to Paris was additionally delayed due to "operational restrictions" at Amsterdam Centraal on Tuesday. The BBC has contacted Eurostar for further information.

ProRail remarked in an official note: "Materials were identified at multiple locations in the track that were deliberately placed there. This causes section malfunctions. Sabotage appears to be involved".

Footage published by Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Tuesday indicated police carrying what appeared to be metal pipes – concerning 1.5 metres (5ft) long – away from railway tracks at Veenendaal in the central Netherlands.

For context, the disruption in the Netherlands came after separate reports in French media suggested a derailment in Normandy on Friday could have been an act of sabotage.

According to prosecutors, a section of rail discovered on the track may have caused the crash. But France's interior minister Laurent Nunez has pressed caution while an investigation is ongoing, saying that authorities are pursuing all leads.

In short, suspected sabotage causes major Netherlands rail disruption is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.