Pipes were attached to the rails. The authorities suspect sabotage

Pipes were attached to the rails. The authorities suspect sabotage

The disturbances began around 5.30. According to ProRail, problems with safety systems were found in at least 20 locations. The connections between Utrecht, located in the center of the country, and the northern and eastern parts of the country were most affected, but the effects of the failure are felt throughout the Netherlands.

The infrastructure manager informed that materials placed there intentionally were found on the tracks. A later announcement specified that pipes were attached to the rails. No further details were provided.

Drivers may also experience difficulties

The disruptions caused in the operation of safety systems meant that for some time it was impossible to determine whether there was a train on a given section, and the traffic lights automatically changed to red. On some routes, trains can only run at low speed.

The failure may also cause difficulties in vehicle traffic due to the fact that faulty system indications may lead to the closing of barriers at railway crossings when there is no oncoming train.

ProRail said workers had to check entire sections of track because it was known which routes were affected by the failures, but the exact locations of the interference were unknown.

The incident coincided with Prince's Day

It is not known yet who is responsible for the incident. It has also not been confirmed whether the action is related to Prinsjesdag - Prince's Day - celebrated on Tuesday in The Hague, on which the government presents the assumptions of the state budget for the next year.